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Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 252 into law, creating a new program to support grandparents and other relatives who step in to raise children when parents are unable to do so.
The Kinship Caregiver Support Pilot Program, led by the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) will connect eligible caregivers with essential services, including case management, legal assistance, mental health support and respite care.
"Too often kinship caregivers—especially grandparents—are left to navigate complex systems alone while providing childcare,” said Emily Kaltenbach, ALTSD Cabinet Secretary. “This pilot program will help us establish more resources to help keep families together and ensure caregivers have the support they need to provide the best care possible.”
Across New Mexico, thousands of grandparents and other relatives have stepped up to serve as primary caregivers, often due to issues of parental incarceration, substance use or illness. This legislation is a response to families and community leaders calling for more levels of meaningful support.
“After working on this legislation for years, I am thrilled we’re finally launching a pilot program to help New Mexico families,” said New Mexico state Representative Susan Herrera. “Being able to leverage public and private partnerships, we can deliver wraparound support to those doing the hard work of keeping kids safe, stable and with their loved ones.”
The three-year pilot program goes into effect immediately. Once program rules are established by ALTSD, the Kinship Caregiver Support Pilot Program will begin serving families in 5 to 7 New Mexico counties, allowing the state to evaluate the impact and build a strong foundation for potential future statewide
The New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) was established in 2004 to provide resources, connection and advocacy for seniors and adults with disabilities. The department oversees the state’s Area Agencies on Aging to elevate the quality of care at senior centers, offers advocacy through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer program, and provides intervention through the agency’s national award-winning Adult Protective Services. Additionally, ALTSD houses the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, which offers options counseling, education, and connection to resources. For more information about ALTSD, visit aging.nm.gov
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