Foster parents in New Mexico have meaningful legal standing. Here is when — and how — to assert it.
Foster parents often feel they are on the sidelines of a CYFD case. The truth is more empowering: New Mexico law recognizes foster parents as interested parties with the right to be heard at every permanency hearing.
If a child has been in your home for an extended period, you may also be entitled to intervene as a party — giving you full standing to participate in placement and permanency decisions, including adoption.
Intervention is most powerful when timed correctly. Filing too early can be denied for lack of sufficient placement history; filing too late can mean the child is moved before your motion is heard.
We have represented foster families throughout New Mexico in intervention, adoption, and post-permanency litigation. If you are unsure whether intervention is right for your case, the consultation is the place to start.
