Two Teenagers Reported Missing from Albuquerque Group Home
Local authorities are searching for two youths who disappeared from a residential program last week.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Thirteen-year-old Andy Carrasco and 15-year-old Santino Martinez are missing after leaving their group home in Albuquerque. The Children, Youth and Families Department has reported the incident to local law enforcement.
Why it matters
The disappearances highlight ongoing concerns regarding the lack of secure treatment facilities for children currently in state custody. Officials note that these residential programs operate in nonsecure settings.
As of October 23, 26 children in CYFD custody are classified as runaways. Carrasco, who previously went missing for 4 days after leaving a psychiatric center in August, does not meet the criteria for an Amber or Brittany Alert.
The players
Children, Youth and Families Department
This state agency is responsible for the protection and welfare of children placed in its custody.
Andy Carrasco
He is a 13-year-old youth currently in state custody who has a prior history of leaving residential facilities.
Santino Martinez
He is a 15-year-old teenager who disappeared alongside his peer from a residential program.
YDI
This organization operates residential programs that provide housing and services for youth in nonsecure settings.
The details
Carrasco and Martinez allegedly departed the YDI Summer House facility on October 17 by exiting through a bedroom window. Carrasco had previously absconded from the UNM Children's Psychiatric Center in August before being located.
Timeline
August 2026: Carrasco previously escaped from a psychiatric facility before being found four days later.
October 17, 2026: Carrasco and Martinez left the YDI residential group home.
October 23, 2026: The state department confirmed 26 children in their custody are currently listed as runaways.
Culture Shift
The situation reflects the broader challenges within the Children, Youth and Families Department custody protocols regarding the management of high-needs youth. These incidents emphasize the tension between maintaining open residential environments and ensuring the safety of children.
Residents in the area should remain aware that these two teenagers are currently classified as runaways by local authorities. Public awareness is encouraged to assist law enforcement in locating the missing youths.
The takeaway
Families with children in similar state-monitored programs should coordinate with caseworkers to understand the security parameters of their placement. The recurring nature of runaways points to a critical need for more specialized, secure support services in the region.
Further reading
Find more information on local youth services and oversight on the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOB.
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