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Medically Fragile Boy Left Hungry in CYFD Office
1 Aug
Summary
- A medically fragile boy was allegedly left without food for 24 hours.
- The child also reportedly missed crucial medication while in state custody.
- A lawsuit seeks damages for alleged neglect and suffering endured.
A lawsuit filed in First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe alleges that a medically fragile 8-year-old boy was placed in a New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) office and left to go hungry for a full day. The boy, who requires a feeding tube and medicine due to a heart condition and infection, was also allegedly not provided his medication for hours while in custody in early November.
According to the lawsuit, CYFD lacked appropriate foster homes for children with special needs and opted to place the boy in a Hobbs office. He was reportedly given a couch to sleep on and left alone. Two workers eventually intervened, taking the child to an emergency room in Lovington, where he received treatment for malnourishment.
CYFD spokesperson Jake Thompson stated the agency cannot comment on pending litigation but confirmed that the state abolished its practice of housing children in department offices in February. The agency now plans earlier engagement and seeks appropriate placements with family or in expanded foster care options.
