The Child Well-Being Project

A bad place for children to grow up. Nothing more disgraceful might be said about a state. Yet for years, New Mexico has been unable to shed that distinction.

What were our policymakers and politicians doing while the state steadily slid to the bottom of national rankings for child well-being? And what are the social and economic consequences – now and into the future – of denying our children the foundation they need to grow into healthy, successful adults?

Searchlight New Mexico will bring to bear the power of collaborative, deeply researched investigative journalism to examine those questions, search for remedies and, through social media and partnerships with media organizations across the state, raise public awareness and calls for action to a level no politician or policy maker can ignore.

Stories and multi-media packages will be timed to force gubernatorial and legislative candidates in the 2018 primaries and general election to make childhood well-being a central focus of their campaigns, and then to take action with meaningful reforms in the legislative session of 2019.

Walking in two worlds

By Amy Linn | April 23, 2018

In this home, the Navajo language unlocks tradition and identity

Child Well-Being Project

From hardship to high school graduate

By Amy Linn | April 16, 2018

Students in and around the Navajo Nation win diplomas through a unique program.

Child Well-Being Project

Something must be done for our children. The time is now

By Sara Solovitch | January 20, 2018

Addressing our problems will without question require massive investment. Failure to do so will cost the state far more. Every one of us is affected when child well-being is compromised. The economic, educational and social ramifications radiate throughout society; the lives of other people’s children touch all of us. There is no hiding.