Be the Village a Child Needs

Laura Tietjen
3 minutes ago
2 min read

Become a Foster Parent:

Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and connected to the people and places they know. Yet in our community, approximately 760 children and youth are currently in foster care, and many need stable, caring homes.

Fostering isn't about being perfect. It's about providing consistency, hope, and a sense of belonging when children need it most.

Whether for a few days, months, or longer, foster families play an essential role in helping children heal and thrive. By opening your home—and your heart—you can change the trajectory of a child's life.

Why Foster?

Children enter foster care through no fault of their own. During uncertain times, a caring adult can provide:

Stability during difficult transitions
Support and encouragement
A safe and nurturing home
Connections to family, school, and community

As neighbors, we often come together to support one another during wildfires, emergencies, and community events. Fostering is another powerful way to strengthen our village.

There Are Many Ways to Help

Foster care isn't one-size-fits-all. New Mexico offers several ways to serve:

Traditional Foster Care – Providing temporary care while families work toward reunification or adoption.
Respite Care – Short-term care that gives foster families needed support.
Specialized Care – Enhanced care for children with medical, behavioral, or emotional needs.
Kinship or Fictive Kin Care – Caring for a relative or trusted child, such as a family friend, neighbor, coach, or mentor.

You don't have to be related to a child to make a lifelong difference.

Be the Village

Fostering creates ripple effects throughout our community. When children are supported, schools are stronger, neighborhoods are more connected, and families have the opportunity to heal.

Perhaps you have room in your home. Perhaps you know someone who does. Perhaps your role is simply to support foster families already serving.

No matter how you choose to help, together we can be the village every child deserves.