Taylor Velazquez is the public health and poverty reporter at KUNM Radio, an NPR affiliate in Albuquerque. She previously worked for KSFR Santa Fe Public Radio. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science and American studies from the University of New Mexico in 2021. She covers issues surrounding education equity and child welfare.
The Kevin S. lawsuit settlement aimed to reform New Mexico’s foster care system, but progress has stalled. An arbitrator ruled the state failed to meet commitments, leading to new deadlines for reform.
New Mexico’s child welfare agency struggles with staffing, foster placements, and care quality. Lawsuits highlight systemic failures, and a report warns children in state custody face “irreparable harm.”
