HOUSE MEMORIAL 40

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Mimi Stewart

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH ITS TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE PLAN FOR A CONTINUUM OF GENDER-RESPONSIVE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR GIRLS IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

     WHEREAS, the legislature in 2009 enacted House Memorial 13 to create a task force to conduct a review of current risk assessment tools, existing treatment options for gender-responsive services and programs and best practice models for implementing and sustaining gender-responsive services and programs in the juvenile justice system; and

     WHEREAS, the task force initiated the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for implementation of a continuum of gender-specific services and programs for girls in the juvenile justice system in the state; and

     WHEREAS, the children, youth and families department has recognized that full implementation of a continuum of gender-responsive services and programs is needed to meet the goals and objectives of House Memorial 13;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department continue working with its task force to implement a sustainable plan for a continuum of gender-responsive services and programs for girls in the juvenile justice system; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include the current representatives from the staff of the children, youth and families department, who have experience working directly with girls in the juvenile justice system, juvenile probation services and youth transitional services; the intervention team of the Bernalillo county girls probation unit; staff of the county juvenile detention system, who have experience working directly with girls; the children's court; the public defender department; a representative recommended by the New Mexico district attorney's association; the women's justice project; a provider of gender-responsive services; and two girls previously served by the juvenile justice system who have successfully transitioned into positive adult lives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force continue its review of current risk assessment tools, existing treatment options for gender-responsive services and programs and best-practice models for implementing and sustaining gender-responsive services and programs in the juvenile justice system; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force finalize a comprehensive strategic plan for implementation of a continuum of gender-specific services and programs for girls in the juvenile justice system in the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force present its final report of its findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim legislative committee by September 2010; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families and to the heads of the other organizations represented on the task force.

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