Community Based Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Reunification Services Contract Extended

 
“We are a voice for families, advocating for them to stay intact by creating solutions to help families connect to resources in the community and address their basic needs, such as food and shelter, while also implementing safety approaches to prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements,” says Kimberly Lucero, Community Based Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Reunification (CBPIR) Program Manager. Ms. Lucero enthusiastically expresses her gratitude for two recent contract awards, extending CBPIR services at Las Cumbres. 

CBPIR assistance has just expanded with two four-year contract awards to the agency through New Mexico’s Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) and the CYFD Prevention and Initiatives Bureau. Las Cumbres has been providing CBPIR services since 2015 in four counties, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Taos. Beginning in July of 2021, CBPIR services expanded to Bernalillo County. With the continuation of CBPIR services, coupled with a new Family Outreach Services contract, Las Cumbres will continue to assure that all children, youth and families are healthy, safe, nurtured and thriving and strengthened by their culture and community.  

“Our team of navigators are wholeheartedly invested in supporting families through some of the toughest times in their lives. We understand that during those tough times, the risks of neglect are higher and when families need our services most. We will continue to empower caregivers to assure safe and healthy families, which ultimately supports every child's right to a loving and secure environment”, explains Lucero. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 15 in every 1,000 children in New Mexico are identified as victims of maltreatment. This number is nearly double the U.S. rate of 8 in 1,000. Las Cumbres’ CBPIR and Family Outreach programming seeks to increase the community’s general knowledge about child abuse and neglect and awareness of child abuse prevention services along with provision of services to address issues of abuse and neglect before they occur. This includes case management, increased parenting skills for caregivers, and working with families after a child returns that may have been temporarily placed in foster care.  

“Additionally, when we are unable to prevent out-of-home placements,” Lucero continues, “we will work closely to support families during the reunification process, ensuring that children can return home to loving arms after temporary foster care placements. We are deeply appreciative for the trust placed in us by CYFD and the opportunity to serve our community in the fight against child abuse and neglect.” 

Finding Resilience and Hope During an Uncertain Journey - WINGS Program

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a young family faced an uncertain future. Carlos and Maria fled from extreme danger in their country of origin and arrived in the U.S., six months pregnant with twin baby boys, in search of safety for themselves and their children. Despite the severity of the journey, the couple finally arrived in New Mexico, hoping to find a stable home. But their new path was not without obstacles: the family found themselves entangled in legal proceedings that threatened to separate their family and uproot their lives once again.  

The WINGS program staff began to work intensively with Carlos and Maria, helping Maria connect immediately with prenatal healthcare resources and supports while also facilitating the couple’s access to direct legal representation from immigration attorneys through WINGS’ community partners. As the family faced an imminent separation, the babies began to be in danger from Maria’s high levels of stress and anxiety, prompting several emergency hospital visits. Recognizing the urgency of the family’s case and the twins’ upcoming due date, the team worked to delay the legal proceedings, ensuring that the family was able to rest, heal, and receive all the necessary care and support from their new community. 

Finally, after weeks of advocacy, applications, and waiting, WINGS and the partnering immigration team received word that the family’s proceedings were postponed until autumn. While only a temporary reprieve, it granted the family enough time to continue working through their complex asylum process. 

Not long after receiving the good news, Maria and Carlos were able to meet their beautiful baby boys and bring them safely home, after recovering from the complications of premature births. WINGS staff supported the family throughout their hospital stay and ensured access to ongoing home health support for the new parents. The family now continues to heal and thrive in their new home; their incredible strength and persistent joy are welcome additions to the WINGS client community. 

The story of Carlos, Maria, and their twin boys is a testament to their strength and resilience while facing intense persecution, dangers, and barriers. Amidst the uncertainty and fear the family was facing, the WINGS staff and their community partners were privileged to work with and support this family, helping them access the tools and resources they needed to thrive. Maria and Carlos are a family of resiliency and hope, courageous in their pursuit of safety, peace, and a place to call home.