Adoption
CYFD (State) Adoptions
Helping home-study approved families adopt children in the custody of New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department.
Adopting from state custody
Children who come into the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department because of abuse or neglect may eventually become free for adoption — either after a voluntary relinquishment of parental rights or a court-ordered termination. Home-study approved families can adopt these children, whether or not they are biologically related.
Working with CYFD and the courts
CYFD adoptions involve a different procedural posture than private adoptions. Hearings, treatment teams, and the rights of biological parents are all part of the process. We help adoptive families navigate the agency relationship while keeping their case moving toward finalization.
Relative and non-relative adoptive parents
“Adoptive parents in CYFD cases may be grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives — or they may be foster parents who have come to know and love a child placed in their care.”
Adoptive parents in CYFD cases may be grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives — or they may be foster parents who have come to know and love a child placed in their care. We represent both groups and tailor our approach to each family's situation.
Termination of parental rights
Termination of parental rights is the legal step that frees a child for adoption when relinquishment is not available. Whether termination has already occurred or is still being litigated, we help adoptive families understand where the case stands.
Subsidies, post-adoption support, and benefits
Children adopted from state custody are often eligible for adoption subsidies and continuing benefits. We help families understand what is available and how to keep that support in place after finalization.
Finalization in CYFD adoptions
“We move CYFD adoptions toward finalization with the same care we bring to every other adoption — making sure the petition, the supporting documents, and the timeline align with the court's expectations..”
We move CYFD adoptions toward finalization with the same care we bring to every other adoption — making sure the petition, the supporting documents, and the timeline align with the court's expectations.