Reporting On Child Abuse In New Mexico

New Mexico continues to contend with heartbreaking cases of child abuse, and mounting criticism of the state agency meant to protect vulnerable kids. KRQE Anchor-Reporter Jessica Garate joins Chris and Gabby to unpack the challenges of reporting on child welfare and the role of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Jessica tackles the latest case of a 5-year-old girl in Silver City whose family believes she could have been saved, and addresses broader questions about state oversight. What happens when abuse or neglect is reported by a teacher, family member, or law enforcement? How is CYFD responding? And are family reunification goals sometimes putting children's safety at risk?

• Watch Jessica's story on 5-year-old Xaquie Bynum 

Thanks for listening. If you’ve got an idea, send it to us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Follow your hosts on social media at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. Watch or listen to our prior podcasts online at KRQE.com/podcast and our KRQE YouTube channel, or on broadcast TV every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. MST on Fox New Mexico.