New Mexico’s Child Welfare System Maltreatment Rate Is 65% Higher Than The National Average

New Mexico’s maltreatment rate for children in the child welfare system was 65% higher in 2022 than the national rate, affecting 12.7% of New Mexico children compared to 7.7% nationally. The most common types of maltreatment experienced by these children were neglect (about 70%), psychological maltreatment (about 15%), and medical neglect (about 10%).

The state’s maltreatment rate for children in state custody or involved with the child welfare system has been higher than the national average for more than 10 years. In 2020, the 12-month repeat maltreatment rate was nearly 14% for New Mexico children . . .