For Immediate Release
Contact:
Andrew Skobinsky
Communications Director
New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department
Andrew.Skobinsky@cyfd.nm.gov
505-500-9436
Santa Fe – The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) is hosting community events aimed at meeting, informing, and eventually recruiting additional resource foster parents around the state.
The first two of these free family-fun informational outreach events will take place:
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Farmington – July 3rdat 7 p.m. CYFD Office, 2800 Farmington Ave. (Ice cream, food, and fireworks)
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Roswell – July 16that 5:30 p.m. CYFD Office, 4 Grand Ave Plaza. (Ice cream, games, inflatables, and more)
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Albuquerque – July 17that 5:30 p.m. CYFD Office, 4501 Indian School Rd NE. (Ice cream, games, and more)
Additional “Get the Scoop” events are being planned for locations in Las Cruces and Santa Fe, with more locations to be added.
CYFD staff will be on site to provide information and answer questions about all phases of fostering, from making the decision, through training and licensing, to accepting a placement, and beyond. Current and former resource foster parents will likewise be available to share their personal perspectives and experiences.
“New Mexico is in need of additional qualified resource foster parents. That is the blunt and unfortunate reality,” said CYFD Cabinet Secretary Teresa Casados. “Social events like ‘Get the Scoop’ make learning about the rewards and realities of resource foster parenthood, an enjoyable experience that is family focused.” Secretary Casados continued, “I encourage anyone who may be interested in taking on this vital role for the children of New Mexico, to reach out to CYFD, attend one of these or other outreach events, or visit us on the web to learn more.”
Prospective resource foster parents are given comprehensive training throughout the licensing process and are supported with continuing training sessions, even after they are licensed, to ensure the success of a placement for both the welcoming family and the child(ren) coming into the home.
More information about becoming a resource foster parent can be found at New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Dept | Foster a New Mexico Youth (nm.gov)
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