Last Updated: October 6, 2009

New Mexico

State Coordinator(s)

New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, Protective Services
Maya Mcknight
Chafee Manager
1920 5th Street
Santa Fe, NM 875025
Phone: (505) 827-7450 ; (ext) -1094
Fax: (505) 827-7440
Email: Maya.Mcknight@state.nm.us

2009 Chafee Allocation

$649,590

2009 ETV Allocation

$218,437

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2006)

264

State's Chafee Mission Statement

CYFD believes in the strengths and resiliency of families who are our partners and for whom we advocate to enhance their safety and well being. We respectfully serve and support children and families, supervise youth, all in a responsive community based system of care that is client centered, family focused, and culturally competent.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

New Mexico’s program is based on intent of the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program which describes eligible youth as those up to age 21, who are “likely to remain in foster care until the age of 18 and those who have aged out of foster care, without regard to their eligibility for Title IV-E funded foster care.” New Mexico has utilized the provision in the act that allows for a portion of the funds to serve eligible youth between the ages of 18-21 who left foster care because they had reached the age of majority while in care.

What is the State's Definition of Room and Board?

New Mexico defines “room and board” to mean, but not limited to:

food;
shelter;
living arrangement;
support services;
move-in costs to establish one’s domicile (e.g., first and last month’s rent, damage deposit);
rent;
utilities (e.g., electric, gas, water, telephone hook-up, etc.);
furnishings (e.g., bed, kitchen table, chairs, couches, lamps, etc.);
household supplies, goods and/or items (e.g., cleaning supplies, towels, dishes, hamper, trash can, cooking utensils, etc.);
food items for cooking, diet and nutrition classes;
food and lodging for youth board presentations;
food and lodging for youth conferences;
instructional materials (e.g., thank you cards, certificates, journals, art supplies, pens, paper, portfolios, etc.);
social and leisure skill training;
birthday cards, gifts, and/or parties;
holiday cards, gifts, and decorations;
graduation expenses;
appliances (e.g., ironing boards, toasters, mixers, etc.);
work apparel (e.g., uniforms, clothing conforming to dress code, sets of clothing to meet the demands of the work schedule/place); and/or
personal care items.

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

No additional information is available.

Under what Conditions Can a Youth Remain in Care Beyond 18?

Youth don't stay in CYFD's legal custody after 18. However, if youth want to voluntarily work with CYFD between 18-21 years of age, they may receive a CYFD maintenance check that would normally go to the foster parent.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

Yes

A short annual application must be signed by the youth.

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

Youth can obtain a driver's license if a foster parent is willing to sign providing permission to receive the training and obtain the license. We are pursuing legislation that will allow CPS workers and Juvenile Probation workers to sign for the driver’s education and the license itself and to also be exempt from any liability. New Mexico recognizes that transitioning youth need a driver's license as part of meaningful preparation for adulthood.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

The program covers homeless and foster children from 16 to 23 years old who have been in the care of DYFS, in a state-subsidized shelter, a TLP program, or supervised living program for at least nine months. They must maintain satisfactory grades.

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

There is a strong youth advisory board that participates in developing the independent living service plan and provides feedback and suggestions to CYFD managers and community providers.