The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation undertook a statewide assessment of culturally appropriate social services for New Mexico’s students in August and September 2022. The assessment was funded by, and under the direction of, the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). The aim was to define, describe, and map existing resources and identify gaps in social services throughout the state. The topics covered in this report are responsive to NMPED directives and the Martinez/Yazzie v. State of New Mexico consolidated lawsuit.
The assessment consisted of four components:
- an inventory of social services provided by and through schools in New Mexico
- qualitative focus groups and interviews with social service providers across the state
- asset mapping
- analysis of existing demographic and Medicaid billing data
Findings describe the social service needs of students and families, which span housing, transportation, food security, clothing, and mental health and substance use treatment; document the limited numbers of social service and behavioral health providers statewide, with fewer available in rural areas, and even fewer that provide culturally appropriate services; and identify barriers to accessing culturally appropriate care. Findings also illustrate the many challenges that hinder the ability of providers to offer culturally appropriate services while demonstrating school district and charter school provision of a wide range of behavioral health services and Medicaid billing patterns.
Service provider locations were mapped using ArcGIS software with help from the New Mexico Community Data Collaborative. The interactive online maps can be accessed at https://arcg.is/1OOSjS0 and https://arcg.is/0XvXb00.
The final report is available here: Culturally Appropriate Social Services for New Mexico Students Final Report
Additional PIRE Investigators
