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CYFD and HSD System Change Innovations at Work

About

The Kevin S. settlement is more than the resolution of a class-action lawsuit – it builds upon CYFD and HSD’s commitment to collaboratively create a child welfare system built on trauma responsiveness and to fully integrate the child welfare and Medicaid systems. Our settlement agreement is central to improving the state’s outcomes for children who touch the child welfare system.

CYFD and HSD’s coordinated approach has already led to several improved outcomes and reforms for children, including increased in-state community-based placements, passage of the ground-breaking Indian Family Protection Act, trauma-responsive behavioral health screenings, and individualized planning meetings just to name a few.

Background

Kevin S., et al. v. Blalock, et al., No. 1:18-cv-00896, was filed on September 22, 2018 against the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) and New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD), alleging that trauma-impacted children and youth in New Mexico foster care lacked safe, appropriate and stable placements and behavioral health services to meet their needs. The settlement agreement is available in PDF format.