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LFC action plan targets 3,200 disconnected youth, calls for cross-agency referrals and evidence-based scaling
Summary
LFC evaluators recommended a goal to reduce youth disconnection by 10% (about 3,200 young people) over three years through targeted recruitment, closed-loop referrals, prioritizing evidence-based programs and a coordinating body; they estimated 32,000 disconnected youth cost the state about $623 million annually.
Legislative Finance Committee evaluators presented an action plan on Feb. 20 aimed at reconnecting young people ages 16–24 who are not working, in school or in training.
"According to the census, New Mexico has approximately 32,000 disconnected youth," Josh Chaffin, an LFC evaluator, told the committee. "These young people are more likely to experience lower lifetime earnings and greater involvement in costly public systems."
The report recommends a measurable target: reduce youth disconnection by 10% over three years, which the staff estimated would reconnect roughly 3,200 young people and return about $62 million annually in increased earnings or avoided public costs.
Key recommendations include better recruitment and retention into existing programs,…
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