A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE DIRE NEED FOR SALARY INCREASES FOR JUVENILE AND ADULT PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS.

     WHEREAS, juvenile probation and parole officers and social workers are involved on the front lines in working with New Mexico's most troubled youth and therefore have a tremendous impact on the lives of these young people; and

     WHEREAS, the safety of the community as well as the appropriate supervision of youth rests in the hands of juvenile probation and parole officers as they work with youth to shape their choices to become law-abiding citizens; and

     WHEREAS, the success of integrating formerly incarcerated youth and adults into society often rests in the hands of dedicated social workers; and

     WHEREAS, the safety of the community rests in the hands of and in the wisdom of adult probation and parole officers who supervise adults released from New Mexico prisons; and

     WHEREAS, the positive impact that an adult probation and parole officer or a social worker can have on shaping the remaining years of an adult's life is no less significant than that of such an officer or social worker working with youth; and

     WHEREAS, juvenile and adult probation and parole officers and social workers have not been adequately paid given the formative responsibility, trustworthiness and dedication to the safety of the community that is required;

     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 conduct a study of comparative salaries for juvenile probation officers and social workers in surrounding states; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the corrections department be requested to conduct a study of comparative salaries for adult probation officers and social workers in surrounding states; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department and the corrections department compare the number of inmates supervised per probation and parole officer, the rate of remuneration, the benefits provided and the working hours and conditions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department and corrections department report their findings to the appropriate legislative interim committee by its October 2005 meeting; and

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