FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05.06.2020
SANTA FE — New Mexico’s Children, Youth & Families Department has authorized additional monetary support to go to each child in foster care for the duration of the “stay at home” orders.
An additional $175 per month is being added to every foster care maintenance payment throughout the duration of the pandemic. The first payment was sent on April 17th for the month of April. Older youth connected to CYFD through departmental Independent Living programs also received a one-time crisis stipend of $175.
“Making sure marginalized children and youth in our New Mexico are supported during this crisis is critical.” Cabinet Secretary Brian Blalock said. “We hope these additional funds will support children, youth, and families who are dealing with additional stresses brought on by the COVID pandemic.”
CYFD staff members are supporting children and families in many ways during the pandemic. Additional supports include making more frequent visits via video and phone to check on youth wellness and their needs, assisting with food supports so no child or youth goes hungry, providing books to children in care who need them, and much more, reading books to children over the phone and sending books that have been donated to families to help children maintain learning while schools are closed.
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Contact: Charlie Moore-Pabst
Deputy Public Information Officer
Children, Youth and Families Department
charlie.moore-pabst@state.nm.us
505-470-3248