How Could You? Hall of Shame-Jaydun Garcia case-Child Death

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Albuquerque, New Mexico, foster child Jaydun Garcia, 16, died on April 11, 2025. He “took his own life at a makeshift home for youth who lack foster placements.”

He was “one of several children who was being housed at a CYFD office before then being transferred to a recently opened congregate care facility operated by AMI Kids. This placement is contrary to the legal obligations imposed on CYFD under the Kevin S. settlement agreement and strongly opposed by child welfare experts who have noted the adverse effects on the mental health of traumatized children like Jaydun.  ”

““Jaydun’s death is a devastating reminder of what happens when vulnerable children—especially those with disabilities or behavioral health needs—fall through the cracks of a broken system,” said Gary Housepian, Chief Executive Office of Disability Rights New Mexico. “We’ve been raising alarms for years about placements in congregate settings, and its long past time for a comprehensive, independent investigation. We stand ready to coordinate our investigation of this death, monitoring of facilities and to support the Attorney General in demanding the transparency and accountability these children and youth deserve.”

“Every child in foster care deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to heal. Jaydun’s story is not an isolated tragedy—it reflects a system that is overwhelmed, under-resourced, and too often unaccountable,” said Maralyn Beck, Director, New Mexico Child First Network. “We commend the Attorney General for taking this seriously and initiating an investigation. The foster families we work with want change just as badly. It’s time to listen, to act, and to build a system that puts children first.”

In addition to Jaydun Garcia’s death, the Attorney General’s investigation will examine other recent examples of children who have died or have been placed back into unsafe environments after being referred to CYFD for possible abuse and neglect.

The investigation into these incidents will not only seek to develop a detailed record of the events leading up to the deaths or great bodily injury of children under CYFD’s supervision but also the policies, procedures and personnel involved. The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide for the incoming Office of the Child Advocate which will be housed at the New Mexico Department of Justice and will be funded by the Department, despite Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s attempt to veto its funding.

The NMDOJ’s team, in coordination with child advocacy experts and legal specialists, will lead the inquiry. The NMDOJ is also calling on current and former case workers, foster families, and youth impacted by the system to come forward with information.”

NM AG Raúl Torrez launches Investigation Following Death of Child in Foster Care
[ABQ Raw 4/22/25]

REFORM Puzzle Pieces