OPINION: Culturally appropriate diversion programs can break cycle of youth incarceration

In New Mexico, the issue of juvenile justice reform is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative.

Recently, District Attorney Sam Bregman made it clear that he wants to double down on the failed policies of the past, and codify our failures in the Children’s Code. His approach to dealing with youth offenders often perpetuates cycles of incarceration and fails to address the underlying causes of youth crime.

The political rhetoric that seeks to blame young people for things like the gun violence epidemic and the fentanyl crisis is misguided at best and has potentially dangerous outcomes for the future of our state.

It’s time for a paradigm shift towards community-based alternatives that prioritize positive youth development, restorative justice and rehabilitation.

The state’s reliance on detention facilities as a primary response to juvenile delinquency overlooks the potential for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Research consistently shows that incarceration, especially for young people, can lead to worsened outcomes, including higher rates of recidivism and long-term negative impacts on mental health and future prospects.

New Mexico must invest in community-based alternatives to detention that are grounded in trauma-informed restorative justice practices. This approach recognizes that many youth offenders have experienced trauma and addresses their needs through supportive, rehabilitative measures rather than punitive ones. By focusing on healing and accountability rather than punishment, restorative justice empowers young people to take responsibility for their actions while fostering empathy and understanding within communities.

Furthermore, the state should prioritize evidence-based, culturally appropriate diversion programs aimed at curbing youth violence.

These programs should not only divert young people away from the criminal justice system but also provide them with meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. For instance, investing in youth job development and apprenticeships in emerging industries such as technology, e.g., Netflix and Intel, can equip young people with valuable skills and pathways to stable employment.

Imagine a New Mexico where instead of being locked away, young people are engaged in learning and contributing to their communities. By investing in diversion programs that offer training in high-demand fields like technology and entertainment, we can provide youth with a sense of purpose and hope for the future. These programs can not only reduce crime but also build a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the state’s economy.

Moreover, these initiatives must be inclusive and culturally sensitive, reflecting the diverse communities of New Mexico. By integrating cultural awareness and community involvement into juvenile justice reform, we can ensure that interventions are effective and respectful of local traditions and values.

It is time for New Mexico to lead by example in juvenile justice reform. By shifting toward community-based alternatives, trauma-informed practices and culturally appropriate diversion programs, we can break the cycle of youth incarceration and build a brighter future for our state. The investment in youth today will pay dividends in safer communities, stronger families, and a more prosperous New Mexico tomorrow.

New Mexico’s youth are not the problem, they are the solution.

John Schoeppner is the former Children’s Court special master and a civil rights advisor at the University of New Mexico. Rodrigo Rodriguez is an organizer with the SouthWest Organizing Project and Albuquerque Justice for Youth.