SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 19

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

ENCOURAGING BERNALILLO COUNTY TO INITIATE A TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM FOR WOMEN RECOVERING FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND REQUESTING STATE AGENCIES TO BECOME PARTNERS IN THE PROJECT WITH THE COUNTY.

     WHEREAS, providing the clients of substance abuse treatment programs with gender-specific treatments has resulted in longer and more successful treatments; and

     WHEREAS, the tendency of women to leave treatment earlier than men has been attributed to the inability of treatment programs to meet their complex medical, social and emotional needs; and

     WHEREAS, effective substance abuse treatment for women helps halt a downward spiral that, if left unchecked, may result in increased criminal activity; and

     WHEREAS, such programs are fundamental to public safety, preventing crime and protecting potential victims of crime; and

     WHEREAS, substance abuse treatment programs for women with children that address women's unique needs, including their relationships with their partners, families and children and any history of physical and sexual abuse, are more effective than traditional programs and have the additional benefit of assisting the children of those women; and

     WHEREAS, there is no gender-specific long-term transitional housing program for women and their children that serves the state of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the unique substance abuse treatment needs of women include child care services, women-only treatment and prenatal care; and

     WHEREAS, limited access to child care services is one of the most frequently cited barriers to treatment of women seeking treatment, and programs that allow women to bring their children into residential treatment experience greater lengths of stay; and

     WHEREAS, the children of addicted parents have the highest risk of abusing alcohol and drugs due to both genetic and environmental factors; and

     WHEREAS, a strong correlation has been documented between parental addiction and child abuse and neglect; and

     WHEREAS, the children of addicted parents are at higher risk for being abandoned at birth, being placed in foster care, running away from home and becoming homeless; and

     WHEREAS, the children of addicted parents experience physical and mental health problems at a greater rate than children of non-addicted parents;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Bernalillo county be encouraged to develop a transitional housing and substance abuse treatment program for women with children that will address their unique needs and create a positive living environment during the rehabilitation process; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department, the human services department and the department of health consider joining Bernalillo county in the identification of sources for funding for and the development and ultimate implementation of such a program; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the county manager of Bernalillo county and to the secretaries of children, youth and families; human services; and health.

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