NCJ Number
203477
Date Published
November 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in the 10th Judicial District of New Mexico, which includes Quay, De Baca, and Harding 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 the 10th Judicial District is similar to larger areas in terms of issues for juvenile delinquents, there are fewer juveniles involved in the justice system. However, the infrastructure costs needed to treat fewer clients is similar to larger systems. One agency, TeamBuilders Inc., is the primary service and treatment provider in the 10th Judicial District. Respondents noted problems with this agency involving high staff turnover, waiting lists, and poor after-hours supervision. Despite these problems, most respondents were in favor of enhancing and improving current services rather than replacing the current provider. There is a need to increase the number of juvenile probation and parole officers, as well as clinical assessment social workers as the current staff is covering too large of a geographical area. Other challenges include the fact that there are no inpatient treatment programs in the 10th Judicial District; there is a lack of sex offender specific treatment programs, requiring the 10th Judicial District to rely on nearby counties; and there is a salient concern about the amount of time children remain in detention facilities in this district. Finally, improving the Juvenile Community Corrections supervision standards and improving capacity to provide psychological assessments and specific treatment for juveniles were discussed as needs within this district.