NCJ Number
203471
Date Published
October 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in the Fourth Judicial District of New Mexico, which includes San Miguel, Mora, and Guadalupe 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 although there are a number of local providers able to treat juveniles with substance abuse problems, there is a shortage of providers for juveniles with mental health problems. Additionally, only one clinical assessment social worker serves the entire Fourth Judicial District and there are no consistently available residential treatment facilities; the Fourth Judicial District must rely on programs in nearby districts or even out of State. Finally, one of the main problems cited by respondents was that more youth are being committed to correctional facilities because of the lack of treatment facilities. Despite these challenges, the Fourth Judicial District enjoys support among key stakeholders for the development of a local juvenile drug court and teen court program and the enhancement and improvement of current programs.