NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

Criminal and Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council

Juvenile Parole Board

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $575.0 from the general fund to CYFD for the purpose of implementing and maintaining a systematic approach to juvenile justice in the sixth judicial district by providing the following programs:

• $200.0 for the Star Model Leadership Academy in Deming;



• $100.0 for the youth shelter program in Deming;



• $250.0 for truancy, citation, surveillance and community service programs for troubled juveniles in Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna counties;



• $25.0 for transportation and detention costs for juveniles from Hidalgo county.




Significant Issues





The services identified in the bill are currently operated by Luna and Grant counties, either directly or through contract. Funding of $308.0 is currently provided by CYFD to augment these county programs. Additional funding would allow expansion to meet the growing needs.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS





To obtain baseline data on these programs, the following output measures are suggested.





Output The number of clients that successfully complete the Star Leadership Academy in Deming:





Output The number of clients that are sent to the youth shelter program in Deming:





Output The number of individuals that participate in the truancy, citation, surveillance and community service program in Grant county:





Output The number of individuals that participate in the truancy, citation, surveillance and community service program in Hidalgo county:





Output The number of individuals that participate in the truancy, citation, surveillance and community service program in Luna county:





FISCAL IMPLICATIONS





The appropriation of $575.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.





ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS





CYFD would administer these programs through contract. They expressed a concern as to whether they have sufficient staff to develop and monitor the additional contracts. However, they did not request additional staffing.





POSSIBLE QUESTIONS




• Does this systematic approach to the administration of juvenile justice have applicability to the rest of the state?



• Should there be a comprehensive report issued at the end of fiscal year 2002 on the outcomes of this systematic approach?




GAC/ar