State expands Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program to Taos County
SANTA FE – The state has now begun accepting applications in Taos County for the Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program, expanding support for families and friends who step in to raise children when parents are unable to do so.
Created through House Bill 252 during the 2025 Legislative session, the Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program helps families navigate available services, legal resources and financial support so that children can thrive in their homes and communities.
“In New Mexico, families and neighbors step up for each other every day,” said Emily Kaltenbach, Aging Department cabinet secretary. “Kinship caregivers are doing the important work of keeping children connected to their families and communities, and this program is another way we can support them in that care.”
The Kinship Caregiver Pilot Program is led by the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department with financial support for the monthly stipends from private foundations. Participants in the program receive navigational services and assistance from the state as well as a monthly stipend provided by the private foundations. The families in Taos County will be supported through partnerships with the Anderson Foundation, the Keeler Foundation, the Brindle Foundation, and the Taos Community Foundation.
“Meaningful change happens when we all come together around a shared commitment to families,” said Peter Mithoefer of the Keeler Foundation. “We are proud to join the Aging Department and our fellow foundation partners in extending this support to Taos County.”
“Taos is a place where family and community connections run deep,” said CJ Grace of the Taos Community Foundation. “We are glad to help bring additional resources to the caregivers who are making that possible for children in our community.”
Taos is the third county to participate in the pilot, joining Rio Arriba and San Juan Counties, which began accepting applicants in November. The program is currently serving 83 families statewide.
The state is currently still working on identifying the other two counties that will be involved in the pilot. For more information or to apply to the program, visit aging.nm.gov/long-term-care/kinship-caregiver.