Youth Heartline News & Events
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February, 8th, 2024 | Article
From Jan. 10-12, the 31st Annual Children's Law Institute Conferences (CLI) were held in Albuquerque. This is a statewide conference addressing issues of importance in child welfare and juvenile justice. Open to Social workers, Attorneys, Judges, Therapists, Law Enforcement and volunteers interested in Child Welfare, the conference was attended by hundreds of participants from all over the country.
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On the last day of the conference there was a closing keynote address and the presentation of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Excellence Awards, chosen from statewide nominees in several categories. A big shout out goes to two locals who received this award: Jackie Medina was honored for her outstanding role as a foster/respite parent, and Yasmin Haque (Director of CASA Program/Youth Heartline) was recognized for her outstanding work in New Mexico's Child Welfare system.
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Youth Heartline's Angel Tree in Raton
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Youth Heartline serves foster children in the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program, as well as other vulnerable children in Colfax, Taos, and Union counties. Our goal this Holiday Season is to bring a little extra joy to the children in our Raton Community.
If there is a child you want to grant a wish to this holiday season fill out the form below.
Date to pick up the gift will be Tuesday December 17th at Youth Heartline Office (116 S 3rd St, Raton, NM 87740)
Questions? Reach out to Valerie Alderette at rcasa@youthheartline.org | 575-999-5749.
July, 7th, 2023 | Article
New Mexico Foundation spoke with Colleen Shaughnessy, Executive Director, and Valerie Alderette, Raton Programs Manager, at Youth Heartline in northern New Mexico about the vital work they do to improve family stability for children and their families in Colfax, Taos, and Union counties.
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Founded in 1991, Youth Heartline is a nonprofit in northern New Mexico that supports children in the New Mexico Eighth Judicial District (Taos, Colfax, and Union Counties) through Court Appointed Special Advocates programs (CASA), Safe Exchange and Supervised Visitation services (SESV), case management for families, and community programs focused on socio-emotional learning and engaging children in play and fun.
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June 6th , 2023 | Press Release
DEPOSIT Act could help more than 12,000 New Mexican families access rental housing.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Delivering Essential Protection, Opportunity, and Security for Tenants (DEPOSIT) Act. An important piece of addressing the housing crisis, this legislation will help low-income renters overcome the barrier of security deposit payments when moving into new housing. U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D-Cali.) has introduced companion legislation in the House.
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by Dena Miller |​ April 19th, 2023 | Newspaper
April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month and, therefore, the perfect opportunity to reintroduce you to Youth Heartline, a nonprofit agency that has been serving families in Taos, Colfax and Union counties for over three decades through their offices in Taos and Raton.
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“Youth Heartline was established in 1991 with CASA as its flagship program,” Executive Director Colleen Shaughnessy said, CASA focuses on the children: referring to the Court Appointed Special Advocate program in which trained volunteers support foster children. “Today, however, we’ve expanded our services to include many other programs that enhance stability by reducing risk factors, increasing positive long-term outcomes, and creating opportunities for kids to have fun.”
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