How to Become a Foster Parent in New Mexico

Quotes about foster care

How to Become a Foster Parent in New Mexico

Close to 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system, and the numbers are on the rise. Yet, the path to becoming a foster parent in New Mexico can often seem unclear. FosterUSKids.org is your source for information and guidance, connecting you with a local New Mexico agency to simplify becoming a foster parent.

HOW TO FOSTER: A SIX-STEP GLANCE

There are six steps to complete before you can bring a child into your home as a licensed foster parent in New Mexico:

1. Request Information About Fostering – 
   FosterUSKids puts the New Mexico foster care and adoption agencies at your fingertips.
2. Attend an Orientation Meeting for Foster Parenting –
   Learn more about the foster parent journey: how to become a foster parent, the characteristics of kids in foster care, and state foster care rules and regulations.
    
3. Submit a Foster Parent Application –
   Your agency’s social workers will help you with the required documentation, background checks, personal references, and state-specific criteria.
    
4. Attend Pre-Service Training –
   Around 30 hours of formal parent training cover essential topics from what to expect to trauma-informed foster care.
    
5. Complete an Assessment and Home Study –
   This vital process includes a home visit and interviews with social workers to ensure you are a good fit and ready to be matched with a foster child.
    
6. Receive Your Foster License –
   The typical 3 to 6-month process results in getting your foster family license and then welcoming a foster child into your home!

Parenting is a rewarding journey marked by commitment and growth. For foster children in New Mexico, the search is not for a perfect parent but for someone they can count on for love, care, and a stable home – a foundation that will make a life-altering difference.

We at FosterUSKids are grateful you are on the path to learning more. Contact a New Mexico child-placing agency for detailed guidance through every step.

Requirements to Foster in New Mexico

As a foster parent, you should become familiar with the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. The CYFD website provides information meetings, resource family guides, printables and PDFs, and more.

New foster parents learn much of what they need to know in the state-required training classes. You can find calendars with meeting dates through the CYFD as well. Foster care training occurs before or during an application process.

The purpose of the training is to educate parents on the trauma that foster kids endure and how to provide care with this in mind. You'll also learn about key topics such as cultural sensitivity, appropriate methods of discipline, the legal system and procedures, etc.

This educational service is one of the best forms of support you'll receive. You can also meet other foster parents in training and form connections.

Creating a support group is vital if you want someone on your side when you have questions or concerns. New foster parents will find that connecting with other foster families gives them an opportunity to learn and grow to become better caregivers.

Adoption and foster care agencies provide full support. A local agency can recruit, train, educate, and supervise foster families. Other than the State of New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department, there is the Adoption Assistance Agency, Christian Child Placement Services, and Joyful World Ministries All Age Adoptions Plus.

Foster FAQs for New Mexico

So now you've learned more about the state's requirements and the current picture of the foster care situation. However, you likely still have questions. We'll answer a few of the more common ones we receive.

How Do I Know if I'm Ready to Foster?

The best way to find out if you're ready to become a new foster parent is to contact an advocate and ask for more information. There's no pressure to commit if you decide it isn't right for you at this time.

You should also ask yourself some questions first. Why do you want to foster? Do you have the time and energy to care for a child right now?

Can Older Adults Foster?

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department will not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

However, you must be healthy enough to care for a foster child. You'll have to pass a physical exam before getting licensed.

Is Living in an Apartment an Issue?

Renters can foster a child as well as homeowners. The only requirement is that you have enough bedroom space and room for their personal belongings.

Can Children Share Bedrooms?

Foster children of the same sex can share a bedroom as long as they have their own bed. Keep in mind there are specific space requirements to consider.

Becoming a Foster Parent in New Mexico

Now that you know more about how to become a foster parent in New Mexico, you can contact your local child-placing agency and ask for more information. An advocate will reach out to you and discuss your preferences and questions.

Foster agencies in New Mexico

Select My Foster Agency in New Mexico

General Foster FAQs

General Statistics About Foster Care

• 1,841

  Children in New Mexico foster care in 2021

• 785

  Children in New Mexico are awaiting to be adopted

• 7

  Average age of child in foster care in New Mexico

• 19

  Months Is the average time a child spent in New Mexico Foster care in 2021

The Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, Children's Bureau's latest AFCARS report for New Mexico tells us the following about the current foster care situation:

• There are 1,841 children in foster care
• 929 entered foster care in 2021
• 785 were waiting for adoption in September 2021
• 480 of those children had all parental rights terminated
• The median age of those in care is seven years old
• 36% live in a relative foster family home
• 46% live with a non-relative foster family
• 45% of case plan goals strive for reunification
• 42% of case goals include finding an adoptive home
• The median time spent in care is 18.7 months
• 15% of foster youth spend 3-4 years in the foster care system
• The median age of children waiting for adoption is nine years old

The current situation is that there are more foster children than licensed families that can take them. Not having a place to call home and a loving parent can have a significant impact on a child's mental health.

Many children face trauma in the foster care system. Up to 80% meet the criteria for a significant mental health issue.

You can become the loving parent that these kids need during their time in foster care.

Support Services for Foster Parents in New Mexico

Whether you need to learn more before committing to the decision or are ready to start today, you must first understand your state's foster parent requirements. In New Mexico, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

• Parents must be at least 18 years old
• You live in a safe and comfortable home
• The house passes a safety inspection
• You have a steady and reliable income source
• All adults must pass a background check
• You have space for the child and their belongings
• All family members are in good health
• You have time to care for a child
• Parents must attend an orientation
• You must complete the foster parent training
• You must finish the home study

You'll learn more about requirements when you speak to your local foster care agency and attend an informational orientation. For instance, new parents discover what a home study entails and how to prepare for one.

The orientation is also an excellent place to have any questions answered. As a foster parent, it's your responsibility to educate yourself on the role and any expectations placed on you.

There's no pressure to commit if you feel you aren't ready. However, don't feel that you must be the "perfect parent" or have parenting experience to foster. Even first-time caregivers are welcome to apply!

We encourage everyone to talk about their concerns with a foster parent advocate. Sometimes, those concerns are based on myths and preconceptions. You may find fostering or adoption to be a rewarding and life-changing experience.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN New Mexico

Every day in New Mexico, children from all age groups enter foster care, some with no belongings of their own, all without an adult they can depend on. Every New Mexico kid needs a soft place to land and a place to call home. Whether you can offer temporary care or become a forever family, your interest could mean a brighter, more secure future for a child in New Mexico.

Still undecided? A New Mexico child-placing agency is here to guide you, providing answers about stipends, coaching, therapy resources, and foster parent training.

Take the next step: Begin your parenting journey by fostering a child in New Mexico today.