SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issues a proclamation June 16 marking the 50th anniversary of New Mexico’s Child Support program, which collected $119.2 million for families last year.
The Child Support Services Division, created June 16, 1975, currently manages approximately 45,000 active cases statewide. Recent 50th Anniversary outreach events have resulted in a 230% increase in newly opened child support cases through May.
“The New Mexico Child Support Services Division is an untapped resource for many parents who are raising children in separate households and need help navigating an often-complicated court process,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “I encourage anyone in need of these free services to reach out to the dedicated child support staff whose sole purpose is to ensure the children are financially and medically supported.”
To mark the anniversary, the Health Care Authority is hosting open houses at each of the 15 Child Support Services Division locations across the state. The events will feature information booths where parents and guardians can learn how Child Support Services can fit into their childcare plan, and a school supply drive to support New Mexico’s children.
“We would love to spend this anniversary day talking with potential new customers who can learn about all of the services we provide,” said Betina Gonzales McCracken, Child Support Director. “Child Support staff will be set up outside of our offices for parents or guardians to come by and chat, pick up an application and leave with an anniversary gift.”
New Mexicans are invited to a public celebration of the 50th Anniversary on August 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Tiguex Park in Albuquerque. This free event will provide the opportunity for a community celebration with music, speakers, and food vendors. In addition, school supplies that are being collected at all 14 CSSD field offices will be distributed to children who attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Similar 50th Anniversary outreach events across the state have resulted in a 230% increase in newly opened child support cases through May. New Mexico has approximately 45,000 active child support cases and collected $119.2 million last year.
For any question about an existing child support case or to learn more about the child support program please visit YES.NM.GOV or call the HCA Consolidated Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465.
###
We talk, interpret and smile in all languages. We provide written information to our customers in both English and Spanish and interpretation services are available in 58 languages through our provider, CTS Language Link. For our hearing, and speech impaired customers, we utilize Relay New Mexico, a free 24-hour service that ensures equal communication access via the telephone to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled.