CYFD COMMUNITY-BASED FOSTER CARE STUDIES

HB 408 requires New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to conduct a study every five years, starting in 2026, to examine the costs and reimbursement rates for community-based foster care placements and treatment services. The study must cover specific expenses like safety resources, food, clothing, shelter, and daily needs for foster parents and other caregivers (referred to as "resource families" in the bill). CYFD must submit the initial study to the legislative finance committee by December 1, 2025, and $100,000 is allocated from the general fund for this purpose in fiscal year 2026. This bill mandates a regular review of foster care funding without changing current policies or reimbursement rates.