Quick Facts: New Mexico
Performance Breakdown
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Law & Policy: 74% of metrics met
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Laws authorizing comprehensive supports and services for youth experiencing homelessness: 58% of metrics met
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Preventing youth experiencing homelessness from coming into contact with the criminal and juvenile justice systems: 62% of metrics met
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Providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently: 88% of metrics met
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Addressing the educational needs of youth experiencing homelessness: 83% of metrics met
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Allowing youth experiencing homelessness to access critical supports and services: 89% of metrics met
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Systems: 67% of metrics met
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Environment: 71% of metrics met
State Score 2022: 67
State Ranking 2022: 9
2022 Score
2021 Score
67
76
New Mexico Highlights
New Mexico has moved the needle relative to other states include providing unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness the opportunity to seek legal independence and live independently, addressing their educational needs, and allowing them to access critical supports and services.
Law & Policy
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State law does not specifically criminalize running away.
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State law provides partial or full contract rights for homeless youth.
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The state allows unaccompanied youth under 18 to apply for health insurance coverage on their own.
Systems
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There is a current state plan to end homelessness that contains a youth-specific strategy component.
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The state provides tuition waivers for foster youth.
Environment
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The state has banned conversion therapy for minors on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
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The state promotes safe and inclusive environments in child welfare programs by providing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
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The state requires training about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, healthy sexual, development or issues specific to LGBTQ+ youth for staff working in RHY Systems.
Recommendations for Improvement
There is room for improvement throughout the metrics for the Land of Enchantment, with emphasis on the Law & Policy category. Protecting the rights and interests of youth experiencing homelessness, including LGBTQ youth, should be prioritized.
Law & Policy
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Enact law or regulation to allow shelters to take in youth experiencing homelessness with a delay or waiver of notification requirements.
Systems
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As part of the state plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, include a strategy to address homelessness among LGBTQ youth.
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Create a state entity – such as an Office of Homeless Youth Services – that focuses solely on designing, implementing, and evaluating youth homelessness programs.
Environment
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Maintain a community advisory board for youth that informs youth homelessness policy.
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Require training about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, healthy sexual, development or issues specific to LGBTQ+ youth for staff working in RHY Systems.