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A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO

EMPLOY THE MISSOURI MODEL OF JUVENILE INCARCERATION AT THE J.

PAUL TAYLOR CENTER IN DONA ANA COUNTY.

WHEREAS, New Mexico, like all states, works diligently

but not always successfully, to rehabilitate young criminal

offenders, especially those who commit nonviolent crimes; and

WHEREAS, it is both cost-effective and morally right to

devote as much time, energy, money and other resources into

redirecting young offenders' behavior to more productive

paths; and

WHEREAS, while it is important for the public safety

that certain young offenders be physically separated from the

public and punished for their crimes, it is equally important

that the vast majority of young offenders be given every

opportunity to address and correct the issues in their lives

that contribute to their behavior; and

WHEREAS, Missouri's juvenile justice system is

recognized across the country as a model for low recidivism

rates and successful outcomes for youthful offenders; and

WHEREAS, the Missouri model relies on small facilities

and intensive group counseling and operates on the premise

that children are much more significantly influenced by peer

pressure than they are by adult direction and punishment; and

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WHEREAS, the Missouri model creates peer groups of

juvenile offenders that gradually assume responsibility for

the behavior of each member in the group; and

WHEREAS, professional case managers, group therapy,

family counseling and transition services for all children

coming out of secure care are an integral part of the model;

and

WHEREAS, New Mexico could benefit from employing the

Missouri model of juvenile justice and studying its results;

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 implement the

Missouri model of juvenile justice at the J. Paul Taylor

center in Dona Ana county and regularly report to the governor

and the legislature on the impact of that transition; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be

transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families.