Administration Initiatives
The State of New Mexico oversees a range of programs designed to promote healthy child and youth development, strengthen families, and improve the quality of life for the state’s residents, focusing on groups most at risk and in need of support. This includes homeless youth, those who identify as LGBTQ+, immigrant children, and children within the tribal communities. Strengthening relationships, collaboration, and support with the tribes and across New Mexico’s agencies, makes it possible to approach those in need holistically and tailor services to the unique needs of individuals.
Universal Child Care
In November 2025, New Mexico became the first state in the nation to offer universal child care, removing economic barriers and supporting workforce participation. As of January 2026, an additional 13,293 children have been enrolled in child care since universal child care was launched. Forty-three percent of newly enrolled families were previously eligible for child care assistance, meaning their income fell at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). This has allowed more mothers of young children to enter or stay in the workforce, building on positive labor trends for the state.
Child Care Facility Revolving Loan Fund
After the 2025 legislative session, the Child Care Facility Revolving Loan Fund (CCFRLF) received over $12 million dollars to provide low-interest, long-term loans to eligible child care providers to make health and safety improvements to child care facilities, expand or create new ones, or invest in operating capital. In September 2025, ECECD partnered with the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) to open the loan’s application, and as of February 2026, NMFA has begun the underwriting process to approve loans for ten projects and is working with their governing board to approve funding for two additional projects. Once all projects are complete, NMFA and ECECD expect that an additional 1,100 children will be able to receive high-quality child care through new and expanded facilities.
Kinship Caregiver Support
The Governor signed the Kinship Caregiver Support Pilot Program Act into law on April 6, 2025. Administered by Aging & Long Term Services Department (ALTSD), this program provides legal assistance, financial support, and navigation support to qualifying kinship caregivers who do not receive financial support from CYFD. Kinship caregivers in Rio Arriba and San Juan counties began receiving services in November 2025. As of March 2026, the program has 70 families enrolled, with 47 families in Rio Arriba and 23 families in San Juan. Of the participating families, 60 are receiving a financial stipend. The Taos County pilot will launch in April 2026. ALTSD contracts with Pegasus Legal Services for Children to assist adults providing kinship guardianship to children with legal process of establishing guardianship. In FY25 Pegasus provided direct legal assistance to 415 families, direct legal representation to 189 families, and community education services to 775 families statewide.
Child Poverty Reduction
In September 2025, the US Census Bureau released the Official Poverty Measure (OPM), a three-year review which reflects household income, poverty, health insurance, and other financial metrics. Also of note is the supplemental poverty index, another federal poverty measure which incorporates state support programs and tax provisions. Under this measure, child poverty in New Mexico fell by 10.3 percent in FY25
Tax Credits & Rebates
New Mexico provides several tax credits and rebates for families. See more info here.
The Working Families Tax Credit is based on the federal earned income tax credit. In FY25, the NM Tax and Revenue Department received 208,205 claims, totaling nearly $136 million in credits to taxpayers.
The Child Income Tax Credit enables parents and caregivers to claim a tax credit for every qualifying child. In FY25, the State had 257,526 claims, adding up to more than $139 million in tax credits.
Another critical rebate for families is the LowIncome Comprehensive Tax Rebate, which provides a rebate of up to $731 to taxpayers with a modified gross income of less than $36,000.
Office of Housing
Housing is a fundamental aspect of safety for children and families: safe and stable housing allows caregivers to work and children to consistently attend school. Recognizing this, DWS has created the Office of Housing with approximately $140 million allocated from the state’s general fund. This office, which is currently focused on site readiness and housing innovations, has issued a Request for Proposals to contract with qualified organizations already involved in housing activities. The Office of Housing will serve as a hub for building projects and will address related housing challenges across the state, seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to house New Mexico families.
GRADs Program
Operated by PED, the GRADS program is a statewide initiative for expectant and parenting teens located in 30 school sites throughout the state. In 2025, 311 teen parents were served throughout New Mexico. Eighty seven percent of GRADS mothers graduated on time, compared with 57 percent of teen parents nationally.
Cellphone Restriction in Schools
In 2023, nine in ten schools in New Mexico reported cyberbullying, highlighting the prevalence of technology and online engagement during classroom hours. With the passage of Senate Bill 11 “Anti-Distraction Policy in Schools” in 2025, state leaders are taking steps to address this considerable challenge. The act requires that each school district and charter school create and implement a wireless communication device policy as guided by PED. Including charter schools, 99 percent of school districts across New Mexico have enacted wireless communication device policies since the law was put into effect on June 20, 2025.