The bill amends the Delinquency Act and the Juvenile Community Corrections Act to enhance the legal framework surrounding juvenile offenders in New Mexico. It introduces new definitions for "serious youthful offender" and "youthful offender," expands the criteria for these classifications, and allows children's court attorneys to refer children back to juvenile probation services if no petition is filed. The bill also clarifies the requirements for detaining a child before adjudication, mandates the validation and reporting of a detention risk assessment instrument, and establishes that complaints alleging delinquency will be referred to juvenile probation services for a preliminary inquiry. Additionally, it emphasizes that children should not be detained in juvenile corrections facilities and outlines criteria for detention based on risk assessments.

Moreover, the bill sets standard terms of commitment for adjudicated delinquent and youthful offenders, ensuring that commitments do not exceed specified durations and that children are placed in appropriate rehabilitation programs. It revises procedures for detention hearings, probation revocation, and the imposition of adult sentences, requiring courts to consider various factors, including the child's family dynamics and mental health. The bill also enhances the management of justice-involved youth by introducing a new process for revoking supervised release and updating definitions for grant applications to support evidence-based programs. Overall, these amendments aim to prioritize the welfare of children while ensuring public safety and improving the effectiveness of juvenile rehabilitation efforts.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-2-3, 32A-2-5, 32A-2-7, 32A-2-9, 32A-2-11, 32A-2-12, 32A-2-13, 32A-2-19, 32A-2-20, 32A-2-23, 32A-2-24, 32A-2-25, 33-9A-2, 33-9A-3, 33-9A-4, 33-9A-5, 33-9A-6, 32A-2-2