Lawsuit: New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department and Hope House etc.

“A federal lawsuit filed this month claims a 14-year-old girl was drugged and sexually assaulted after running away from a state-funded group home in Albuquerque, then punished when she tried to return. The lawsuit named the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department, the nonprofit operating the home, and several staff members.

According to court documents, the girl ran away from the state-funded Hope House in January 2025. The lawsuit claims she was picked up by an Uber driver, taken to a hotel, drugged, threatened with a gun, and sexually assaulted. Hours later, the lawsuit says she was brought back bleeding and barely conscious. Instead of being let inside, the lawsuit said a staff member forced her to sit outside in the cold as punishment until a CYFD caseworker arrived and took her to the hospital.

“I think we’re all numb and desensitized. At this point, we expect CYFD to do an awful job. It’s just a shame that the kids keep paying the price for that,” said Attorney Benjamin Gubernick.

Hope House opened in late 2024 as a temporary placement for girls in state custody. The lawsuit claimed that at least two other girls there were also abducted and sexually assaulted. CYFD declined to comment, citing pending litigation.”
Lawsuit claims state group home in Albuquerque punished teen who was sexually assaulted by Uber driver
[KRQE 11/30/26 by Jordan Honeycutt]

REFORM Puzzle Piece