Contact:
Jake Thompson, Jake.Thompson@cyfd.nm.gov
(505) 551-4707
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2025
State seeks to hire hundreds of child welfare workers, expand kids’ mental health services
CYFD budget requests $422.3 million to strengthen child safety and family support
SANTA FE — New Mexico is seeking to hire hundreds of child welfare workers, expand substance abuse and infant mental health programs, and strengthen safety nets for vulnerable children and families under a proposed $422.3 million state budget.
The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fiscal year 2027 budget represents a 4.7 percent increase and seeks $43.1 million of General Fund investments to replace expired federal health services grants, to add wrap-around services in communities and to broaden alternative services to detention. The proposal focuses on meeting court-ordered caseload standards, enhancing behavioral health services and supporting rising populations in juvenile facilities.
“We at CYFD are deeply committed to improving the lives and wellbeing of every child, young person and family we serve,” said Valerie Sandoval, acting cabinet secretary at CYFD. “This budget is about giving our staff the resources they need to do their jobs, giving children in our care safety and security they need, and giving families the support they need to stay together safely.”
The request includes $61.3 million in Governmental Result and Opportunity (GRO) funding for pilot programs and initiatives including:
- $14.8 million to hire new protective services positions to meet Kevin S. caseload standards and comply with court-ordered reforms
- $13.7 million to reduce approved but unfunded vacant positions in the protective, behavioral health and juvenile justice divisions to expand behavioral health programs, address increased substance use and infant mental health challenges
- $8.2 million to ensure staff with experience, expertise and licenses are paid appropriately
- $5.9 million for basic needs — clothing, meals, hygiene products, linens and medical supplies for increased populations in facilities and increase in costs for those items
- $1.5 million to expand behavioral health programs, address increased substance use and infant mental health challenges
- $12.2 million for contracts and operational costs across the department and its offices
The budget also requests general fund increases across three divisions: $31.5 million for the Protective Services Division to continue services no longer covered by federal funding, $9.8 million for the Juvenile Justice Division to add continuum care sites and community-based alternatives to detention, and $425,300 for the Behavioral Health Division to address rising program costs.
“CYFD looks forward to working with the Legislature and the governor to secure the resources New Mexico’s children and families need to succeed and thrive,” Sandoval said.
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About CYFD
The New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department provides critical prevention, intervention, and rehabilitative services to children and families across the state. With a renewed focus on equity, integrity, and measurable impact, CYFD is building a stronger foundation to ensure safety and support for all New Mexico families.