Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The insurance premiums for New Mexico’s Department of Children, Youth and Families is going up. And its because of a huge increase in settlements this year. The department is facing a 36-percent increase in liability premiums after paying out nearly 14-million in settlements this year. The Albuquerque Journal reports the payouts in the first 8-months of this year account for more than HALF of the total of 21-million in settlements since July of 2021. The latest involves nearly one and a half million dollars paid on behalf of two foster children who lived in Raton. The foster licensed parent in that home is accused of sexually molesting one of the children, while the other watched. The settlements and other information can be viewed on the state’s new dashboard.
