Child Support Services Division celebrates 50th anniversary
SANTA FE — New Mexico’s Child Support Services Division celebrates 50 years of helping families this August, having collected $119 million for children and families in fiscal year 2025.
The milestone anniversary will be marked with a free public celebration on Saturday, August 16, at Tiguex Park in Albuquerque, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature entertainment, games, face painting, food trucks, and free school supplies for school-aged children.
“We want the public to join us as we celebrate five decades of connecting children with the financial support they need,” said Betina Gonzales McCracken, director of the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) at the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “This program has evolved tremendously since 1975, and we’re proud that 99% of the money we collect goes directly to families rather than toward public assistance recoveries.”
Of the $119 million collected this fiscal year, 65% came through wage withholdings from employed parents. Child Support staff will be at the anniversary event to accept applications and answer questions about the program’s no cost services.
Throughout its anniversary year, CSSD has engaged communities statewide through outreach events promoting modernization efforts launched over the past six years. These initiatives encourage more parents to access services including locating absent parents, establishing parentage, setting appropriate court orders, enforcing those orders, and helping parents find employment when needed.
“Most people don’t realize the full range of services we provide until they attend our outreach events,” said Gonzales McCracken. “Once they learn what’s available, they either apply themselves or refer someone they know, which has led to more families getting the support they need.”
During Child Support Awareness Month and year-round, parents can apply for assistance through YES.NM.GOV or by calling the HCA Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465.
For more information on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s proclamation for Child Support Awareness Month, visit CSSD page.
Visit the 50th Anniversary Event Page for details.
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