NCJ Number
203472
Date Published
November 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in the Fifth Judicial District of New Mexico, which includes Chaves, Eddy, and Lea 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 there is a need to increase the number of clinical assessment social workers, as the Fifth Judicial District currently relies on only one; there is a need for expansion of in-home family services in the district; there is a lack of reentry services for juveniles committed to institutions; postrelease supervision programs need to be enhanced; and there is a need for the development of parenting programs for teenage parents. While one program, Communities That Care, provided school-based prevention and treatment, there is a need for the expansion of school-based programming in the district. Finally, most respondents were in agreement that although three main agencies provide most of the juvenile treatment services in the district, the goal should be toward enhancing the existing programs rather than creating new providers.