46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF THE TYPES OF PROGRAMS USED FOR JUVENILE OFFENDER REHABILITATION.

WHEREAS, the state averages approximately six hundred juvenile offenders held in secure confinement every day; and

WHEREAS, the state expends over forty-nine thousand five hundred dollars ($49,500) in actual annual costs per bed for the confinement of juvenile offenders; and

WHEREAS, the state expends over twenty-nine million seven hundred thousand dollars ($29,700,000) annually on the confinement of juvenile offenders;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department be requested to conduct a study of the various programs used throughout the state and in other states to determine which of the various programs are most effective in preventing troubled youth from becoming involved with the justice system; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department conduct a study of the various programs used throughout the state and in other states to determine which of the various programs are most effective in preventing juvenile offenders from repeating their offenses; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department report the findings of the studies to a legislative interim committee that has jurisdiction over juvenile justice issues no later than October 31, 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families.