SENATE MEMORIAL 102

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT AND THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE STATUS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAMS AND CONTRACTS IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS.

     WHEREAS, large numbers of New Mexico's youth experience early contact with the justice system and are at greater risk for future, more serious contact as adults; and

     WHEREAS, this contact may affect and limit opportunities for youth to contribute to society as adults and imposes significant costs and harm to communities; and

     WHEREAS, restorative justice programs help youth make better choices, engage in school, graduate and transition into vocational opportunities or higher education and reduce contact with the juvenile and criminal justice systems and help reduce future costs, reduce harm to individuals and the community and assist with productive youth development; and

     WHEREAS, restorative justice is a facilitated process that allows everyone involved in a conflict to be heard and take responsibility for any harm caused, that seeks ways to repair harm and make things right as much as possible and that restores relationships and community; and

     WHEREAS, restorative justice programs seek to attract new resources, including funding and volunteers from the community, professional organizations and faith-based organizations; and

     WHEREAS, many states, including New Mexico, counties, cities and other jurisdictions have implemented restorative justice practices in schools, in criminal justice systems in pre- and post-adjudication stages and in neighborhoods; and

     WHEREAS, those states, counties, cities and other jurisdictions can proudly point to reduced recidivism, greater harmony in neighborhoods and in schools, a sense that the justice system has served victims of crime and other societal benefits;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the corrections department and the children, youth and families department be requested to study and report on the status of restorative justice programs and contracts in their departments; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the corrections department and the children, youth and families department study programs with demonstrated success for possible replication throughout New Mexico to the benefit of all residents; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the corrections department and the children, youth and families department report their findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim legislative committee by October 1, 2019; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of corrections, the secretary of children, youth and families and the chair of the juvenile justice advisory committee.

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