Introduction, Trends & Considerations
The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) 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. Making a deliberate shift toward a trauma aware mindset that starts with asking, “What happened and how can we help?,” rather than, “What went wrong?,” CYFD has focused 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.