During a recent government meeting, community leaders highlighted the urgent need for support for kinship families in New Mexico, particularly in light of the ongoing drug crisis. Sienna Sanderson, coordinator of Taos Behavioral Health Nurturing Centers, emphasized the alarming statistics surrounding children affected by substance misuse, noting that New Mexico has the highest percentage of children in kinship care in the nation, at 8%, compared to the national average of 3%.

Sanderson shared poignant stories from the community, including the tragic loss of three mothers to overdoses this summer, which has left many children without parental support. She called for a community conversation on how to allocate opioid settlement funds to address the root causes of these issues and improve outcomes for families impacted by addiction.

Doris Sandoval, a community resource coordinator, reported on her efforts in Penasco, where she identified approximately 50 children being raised by grandparents or other family members. She organized a town hall meeting to discuss the challenges these families face, leading to the formation of a committee aimed at addressing their needs. Sandoval highlighted the financial struggles of kinship families, who often lack adequate support despite their commitment to caring for children.

Candy Allen, also from the nurturing center, discussed her work with incarcerated individuals who are parents, noting the emotional toll on families and the complexities of navigating the legal system for kinship guardianship. She stressed the need for financial assistance and resources to support these families, many of whom are grappling with grief and loss.

The meeting underscored a collective call to action for increased funding and resources to support kinship families, particularly those affected by the drug crisis, as community leaders seek to foster a more supportive environment for vulnerable children and their caregivers.