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HOUSE MEMORIAL 108
48
TH LEGISLATURE
- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -
FIRST SESSION
, 2007
INTRODUCED BY
Danice Picraux
A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THAT THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT, IN
ADDRESSING JUVENILE OFFENDER RECIDIVISM, COMMEND KESHET DANCE
COMPANY FOR ITS EFFORTS AND COLLABORATION WITH THE YOUTH
DIAGNOSTIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER, JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS AND
OTHER STATE AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE DANCE EDUCATION
AND MENTORSHIP FOR INCARCERATED YOUTH THROUGH THE PROCESSES OF
INCARCERATION, PAROLE AND REINTEGRATION AND THAT STATE AGENCIES
ENCOURAGE KESHET DANCE COMPANY AND SIMILAR ENTITIES TO TAKE
TANGIBLE STEPS TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM RATES AMONG JUVENILE
OFFENDERS AND AT-RISK POPULATIONS WHO ARE POTENTIAL JUVENILE
OFFENDERS.
WHEREAS, the cost of incarceration to the state is
estimated at thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) per year per
inmate; and
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WHEREAS, current recidivism rates for New Mexico juveniles
are at epidemic levels; and
WHEREAS, "The Impact of Arts Education on Workforce
Preparation", an issue brief developed by the national
governors association center for best practices, states that,
"For at-risk youth, that segment of society most likely to
suffer from limited lifetime productivity, the arts contribute
to lower recidivism rates; increased self-esteem; the
acquisition of job skills; and the development of much needed
creative thinking, problem solving and communications skills...
involvement in the arts is one avenue by which at-risk youth
can acquire the various competencies necessary to become
economically self-sufficient over the long term, rather than
becoming a financial strain on their states and communities...
research reveals that when young people, both general and at-
risk populations, study the arts they show heightened academic
standing, a strong capacity for self-assessment, and a secure
sense of their own ability to plan and work for a positive
future"; and
WHEREAS, this report asserts that, while arts education
can have a beneficial and enriching effect on all children, it
is this capacity for fostering a positive self-concept and
deepening students' involvement in the learning process that is
most dramatic for at-risk youth; and
WHEREAS, Keshet dance company has a nine-year history of
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implementing dance mentorship programming for incarcerated
youth at the youth diagnostic development center; and
WHEREAS, Keshet dance company has developed a curriculum
for teaching math, literacy and conflict resolution skills
through dance to at-risk and incarcerated juveniles through in-
school and after-school education programs; and
WHEREAS, incarcerated juveniles currently participating in
Keshet dance company programs show a fifty percent improvement
rating on math and literacy skills, based on pre- and post-
tests given at six-week intervals, and a sixteen percent
reduction in conflicts with other inmates and staff compared to
nonparticipating inmates; and
WHEREAS, Keshet dance company is willing to continue its
work with at-risk and incarcerated youth and to expand the
scope of its work to reach more youth and to continue
mentorship relationships with juveniles through the parole and
reintegration process;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children,
youth and families department be requested to commend Keshet
dance company on its dance programs, its educational and social
curricula and its provision of mentorship relationships for
incarcerated and paroled youth, all aimed at reducing juvenile
recidivism rates; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and
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.169712.1
families department report on its progress in collaborating
with Keshet dance company and similar entities to implement
dance and other arts programs to prevent incarceration in at-
risk populations and reduce recidivism rates for juvenile
offenders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families,
the appropriate interim legislative committee and the
legislative finance committee.
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