Eighteen percent of adults in New Mexico report that they have suffered four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), or extremely traumatic life events as children. The first three years of a child’s life are recognized to be the most important in a child’s overall development. Experiencing abuse during these formative years can have serious negative consequences on children as they grow up. The more stress one experiences as a child, the more long-lasting damage occurs. This is why early detection and prevention is so important. This month, we are increasing awareness about this serious issue and sharing supportive resources with families who have been impacted by trauma.

How to Help

There are many helpful programs in our state that serve adults and parents. Finding treatment is one of the first steps struggling parents and caregivers can take to get help. The New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) can connect child abuse survivors to real help through their local and statewide partner agencies. BHSD supports the collaboration between mental healthcare, treatment and prevention programs for families, and works closely with the New Mexico Department of Children, Youth, and Families (CYFD) to help children find treatment.

To build whole, healthy communities, our children must feel safe and protected. Key interventions such as home visits with nurses or other child development experts are proven ways to create loving, nurturing environments for children. Home visits can be requested by calling 1-800-691-9067 or online. Another resource for parents is the Nurse-Family Partnership program, established in New Mexico in 2012. First-time parents and families may be eligible for free services through this program.

Help accessing healthcare and family education for Medicaid-enrolled pregnant women and children ages 0-3 is available through the Families FIRST program. Additional behavioral health help for Medicaid-enrolled children will soon be available, free of charge, through schools, thanks to a statewide amendment adopted in 2022. We encourage you to ask your school district for current available treatment and help spread the word about these resources to first-time parents and young families.

Mentoring programs help families receive a network of community support. Parenting classes can also provide local, culturally relevant environments for parents to connect with others and learn critical skills that can decrease the chances of abuse or neglect. Many school districts welcome volunteers to help mentor students. And, if time is limited, donating to local organizations that support whole-family health and positive child development is always a great option.

Sometimes, new parents and families experiencing poverty add to the stress of parenting. When basic human needs like shelter and food are endangered, it can add to the emotional strain of parenting or caregiving. The New Mexico Human Services Department helps families who are in need access financial support for purchasing nutritious food through the SNAP program and also offers an income cash assistance program to help families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. These community resources are important for prevention but are not an instant fix.