NCJ Number
203474
Date Published
November 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed how existing juvenile treatment needs are determined and met in the Seventh Judicial District of New Mexico, which includes Socorro, Torrance, Sierra, and Catron 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 lack of mental health treatment services in this district, as well as a lack of truancy programs, a shortage of parenting classes, and a lack of sex offender treatment programming. The Seventh Judicial District has a low population density, and lack of juvenile justice programming corresponds to the low population density. Accessing juvenile justice and treatment services in nearby counties places a strain on juveniles and their families, as well as the juvenile justice personnel and budget in this district. Addressing the overall service needs of this district is challenging because of the difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified juvenile justice professionals in this sparsely populated area. As such, services in the Seventh Judicial District suffer and juveniles are forced to pursue treatment options far from home.