CARA Program
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Program is designed to support families whose child has been born substance exposed. CARA navigators will work with the family, hospitals, providers and MCOs to identify the best support systems for the family and break down any barriers that may be preventing families from accessing services. CARA Navigators will assess and identify additional resources to meet the needs of each individual family.
CARA
The 2016 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) requires states to offer supportive services to newborns, that have been substance exposed.
New Mexico passed legislation in 2019 to provide plans of safe care, which refer families to voluntary support and treatment services for the newborn and their caregivers. This led to the development of the CARA program under the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department’s Family Services Division.
Access to Care
Too often cycles of generational trauma and substance use persist due to barriers that arise from stigma, bias, geography, and/or cultural and language differences. the CARA program actively addresses these barriers through advocacy, training, and support for partners and stakeholders focused on trauma-responsive care, cultural safety, and evidence-based strategies for the implementation of Plans of Safe Care.
NM law specifies that child abuse or neglect reports by birthing hospitals shall not be made solely on the finding of newborn substance exposure. The CARA program is focused on connecting families to resources that support their health, safety and overall well-being.
CARA Navigators
CARA Navigators work closely with families, hospital staff, managed care organizations (MCOs), providers and support services. Navigators will identify support services through intensive case management and adapt as the family’s needs change.
CARA resources align with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Office of Drug Control Policy.
CARA Plan of Safe Care
A Plan of Safe Care (POSC) supports family stability, safety, and well-being. Through the POSC, families may access a variety of voluntary services including:
Care Coordination & Case Management
Medical & Dental Care
Substance Use Treatment & Recovery Programs
Early Childhood Services
- Home Visiting
- Early Intervention
- Child Care
Financial Assistance
- TANF, SNAP, WIC, and housing supports
*If not covered by an MCO, CARA services may be provided by Children’s Medical Services a bureau of the New Mexico Department of Health.
The CARA Approach
A CARA Plan of Safe Care supports caregivers and babies to address their family’s needs through the first year of the newborn’s life without judgement or stigma.
