Thousands of children are abused or neglected each year in New Mexico. And the state's safety net has far too many holes. A Journal investigation has found some children are kept in abusive families too long, while others are sent to foster homes where new abuse occurs. The problems are longstanding: Critics say they are getting worse, while Child Protective Services promises to strengthen the net.

FIRST IN A SERIES
In Harm's Way
Children who can't protect themselves are being neglected and harmed daily in New Mexico homes.

CASE STUDY: Young Victim Endures Nightmare Under State's Care

SECOND IN A SERIES
Holes in Safety Net
Flaws in the system can mean more trouble -- instead of protection -- for foster children.

Officials Seem Unaware of Own Stats on Abuse

CASE STUDY: 'Someone Beat the Hell Out of This Kid'

THIRD IN A SERIES
Is Foster Care System Breaking Down?
Children pay price as frustrated foster parents, social workers bail out.

Worker Survives Legal Storm

Foster Parents Frustrated by State's Treatment

FOURTH IN A SERIES
More Abused, Neglected Children Left at Home
Fixing Broken Families Doesn't Guarantee Lives of Children.

'Utter Desperation' Led Agency Boss To Challenge CYFD

CASE STUDY: Granddaughter's Pain Led Woman To Turn In Abuser -- Her Son

FIFTH IN A SERIES
Secrecy Thwarts Oversight of Agency Protecting Kids
Critics say the state has repeatedly balked at efforts to ensure accountability.

How the New Mexico Foster Care System Works

CASE STUDY: Unheeded Red Flags Let Foster Dad's Dark Side Flourish

LAST IN A SERIES
CYFD, Others Propose Remedies for Safer System
Critics say the state agency's plan to fund 61 more social workers is a good start, but more is needed.

New Screening Process Would Cut Field Investigations

What Others Would Do

More foster parents needed

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Copyright © 1997 Albuquerque Journal