New Mexico is a centralized state. With the exception of secure detention, the state operates most delinquency services for youth in New Mexico. County executive agencies administer detention.

How is detention organized? 

County executives administer the 14 secure juvenile detention facilities in New Mexico.

By statute (32A-2-7), during the preliminary inquiry on a delinquency complaint, Juvenile Probation/ Parole Officers  may refer youth to an appropriate agency, and adjustment conferences may be held instead of filing petitions.

Victims of juvenile offenses have the statutory right to be notified by the District Attorney if their offender escapes or is released from a correctional or juvenile justice facility (see 31-26-11 and 31-26-12). The court may also order a delinquent youth to pay restitution to the victim (32A-2-31). The New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission administers crime victim compensation.

Juvenile Probation/Parole Officers (JPPOs), employed by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), Juvenile Justice Services, work out of 33 local offices. JPPOs supervise only juveniles. The court sets the terms of probation with recommendations from the JPPO, District Attorney, and the youth's attorney.

Juvenile Probation/Parole Officer (JPPO) candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience. New Mexico does not certify its JPPOs. The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, Juvenile Justice Services provides a two-week core training program for new JPPOs. JPPOs must also attend 40-hours of continuing education each year.

At disposition, the Children's Court may transfer legal custody of a delinquent youth to the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department's diagnostic and central intake center, where staff determines the appropriate placement, supervision, and rehabilitation program for the youth.

A juvenile parole board, administratively attached to the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, makes parole decisions. The governor appoints a director and three part-time volunteer members are appointed to the board for 6-year terms.

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department's Juvenile Justice Services (JJS) administers parole (aftercare) services through district offices covering the 13 judicial districts. JJS also operates four step down centers and a community residential facility for probationers and parolees released from one of the commitment facilities. Juvenile Probation and Parole Officers provide aftercare supervision.

New Mexico’s Purpose clause is rooted in an elaborate, multi-part clause contained in the Legislative Guide for Drafting Family and Juvenile Court Acts.

Lower Age: None specified

Upper Age: 17

Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 20

In compliance with the new Children's Code, the Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI) is now in use statewide. Detention facilities also use the MAYSI-2 mental health screening instrument and the V-Disk mental health assessment tool.