ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico continues to contend with heartbreaking cases of child abuse, and mounting criticism of the state agency meant to protect vulnerable kids. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, KRQE Anchor-Reporter Jessica Garate joins Chris and Gabby to unpack the challenges of reporting on child welfare and the role of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD).
Garate tackles the latest case of a 5-year-old girl in Silver City whose family believes she could have been saved, and addresses broader questions about state oversight when abuse is reported.
What happens when abuse or neglect is reported by a family member, teacher, or law enforcement? How is CYFD responding? Are family reunification goals sometimes putting children’s safety at risk?
Listen to the full discussion to learn more about why this topic is so important for journalists to cover, and the laws that make it increasingly difficult to get information.
“There’s so much secrecy involved,” Garate explains. “We have to keep exposing these stories until we don’t have this many kids dying.”
Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others.
You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQE’s YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13.
Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term “KRQE” or “New Mexico News Insiders” (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post.
If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at [email protected] or [email protected].
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