New Mexico Heart Gallery

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.