44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING AN ARRAY OF SERVICES TO CHILDREN AT RISK OF BEING REFERRED OR CHILDREN REFERRED TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE DIVISION OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. ARRAY OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AT RISK OF BEING REFERRED OR CHILDREN REFERRED TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE DIVISION OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

DEPARTMENT--FINDINGS.--

A. The legislature finds that it is in the interest of the state to continue to make available a wide array of comprehensive and effective services, programs and facilities for children at risk of being referred or children referred to the juvenile justice division of the children, youth and families department.

B. It is the intent of the legislature that a balanced and restorative juvenile justice system be premised upon the guiding principles of community protection, accountability and competency development.

C. It is the intent of the legislature that juvenile justice services and programs be:

(1) provided by state employees; or

(2) provided via contracts for the services or programs pursuant to the provisions of the Procurement Code.

Section 2. ARRAY OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AT RISK OF BEING REFERRED OR CHILDREN REFERRED TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE DIVISION OF THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

DEPARTMENT--APPROPRIATIONS.--

A. To provide an array of services and programs for children at risk of being referred or children referred to the juvenile justice division of the children, youth and families department, the following amounts are appropriated from the general fund to the children, youth and families department for expenditure in fiscal year 2000 for the following purposes:

(1) one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for the purpose of contracting with community-based providers for the provision of community and victim restoration programs, including mentoring programs, mediation programs and community involvement programs;

(2) one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for the purpose of contracting with community-based providers for the provision of family preservation programs for children at risk of being removed from their homes;

(3) two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for the purpose of contracting for a statewide sex offender program for children adjudicated or at risk of being adjudicated for a sexual offense. The statewide sex offender program for children shall also include program services at the juvenile justice division facilities. The statewide sex offender program shall also provide assessment services, treatment services and aftercare services;

(4) two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for the purpose of contracting for the recruiting, training and providing foster homes for children referred to the juvenile justice division of the children, youth and families department. The foster homes shall be reimbursed at the special needs foster home rate; and

(5) one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for the purpose of contracting with a program located in an urban area to provide an urban construction corps program. The urban construction corps shall offer programming that teaches employable skills, including home renovation and home construction skills, for children referred to the juvenile justice division of the children, youth and families department.

B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 shall revert to the general fund.

Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 1999.