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Analysis of Juvenile Justice Process and Treatment Providers in the Third Judicial District

NCJ Number
203470
Date Published
October 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in the Third Judicial District of New Mexico, which includes Dona Ana County.
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 this county, 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, first, treatment facilities that serve juveniles at different levels are needed in this county. Staff turnover due to low pay makes it difficult to retain qualified staff; more inpatient treatment facilities are needed; additional mental health services are needed; shelter facilities for females in crisis are needed; parenting classes need improvement; and there is a particularly great need for secure treatment facilities for incompetent juveniles. Despite these gaps in services, the Third Judicial District has a broad base of services available to juveniles, and respondents noted that new programs are not necessary, rather improvement to existing services is in order. For example, expanding the availability of vocational training is necessary, as is the addition of more electronic monitors and more treatment foster care beds. Finally, the working relationship among those who work with juvenile offenders is strong in this county, although some duplication of services between the Juvenile Drug Court and Juvenile Community Corrections was noted.