NCJ Number
203473
Date Published
November 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in the Sixth Judicial District of New Mexico, which includes Grant, Luna, and Hidalgo 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, special programs in the district, truancy problems, sex offender treatment options, substance abuse treatment options, crisis placement, enhanced supervision, detention, and challenges to meeting juvenile treatment needs. Analysis of the data reveals that there are no residential treatment facilities in the Sixth Judicial District and the current outpatient services are not able to meet the demand for services and suffer from limited funding. Further, there is no specific sex offender treatment programming for juveniles in this district and there is a need for expanded short-term, inpatient mental health services. Two special programs are described: the First Offender Program and Teen Court. The First Offender Program combines community service with an educational component, but there is some concern that the educational component has not been effective. Teen Court is a low-cost, effective diversion program which would benefit from being relocated to a middle school or a high school. Finally, data indicate that referrals to juvenile court have consistently declined from 1997 to 2001. Table