NCJ Number
203480
Date Published
November 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in the 13th Judicial District of New Mexico, which includes Sandoval, Valencia, and Cibola Counties.
Abstract
Data for the report were compiled through interviews with juvenile judges and representatives from the district attorney's office, the public defender's office, the Juvenile Probation/Parole office, local detention facilities, and treatment service providers. The report outlines judicial philosophy in these counties, observations about referrals, juvenile justice assessments, mental health treatment options, sex offender treatment options, crisis placement, educational services, enhanced supervision, detention, and challenges to meeting juvenile treatment needs. Analysis of the data suggests that each of the three counties has distinctive judicial philosophies and juveniles processes. One district attorney covers all three counties and there is a large disparity in the mental health treatment resources available in this district. The resources of Bernalillo County are often relied upon by Sandoval and Valencia Counties. As such, there is a stated need for a multipurpose mental health inpatient resource in the 13th Judicial District. Further, Cibola County does not have access to a clinical assessment social worker; enhanced electronic monitoring is needed; the Juvenile Probation Officer reports a major need for truancy programming; and there is a need to expand mentoring programming in the 13th Judicial District. The 13th Judicial District must address a range of issues related to the diversity of its population; there are a number of sovereign Native American jurisdictions in this district and strain between the Juvenile Probation Office and tribal authorities is not uncommon.