Home > Drug Courts > Valencia County Juvenile Drug Court
DRUG COURT JUDGE:
The Honorable John W. Pope
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Cynthia Ferrari
Valencia County Juvenile Drug Court was the recipient of a federal grant in 2002 for drug court implementation. During this three year period, the drug court has grown to be one of the largest juvenile drug courts in the state with a matrix of 40 participants and their families. There have been 100 participants and families with 47 successful graduates of the program. Drug court participants have contributed 6,129 hours of community service at a value of $42,904 to the local community. Community service projects have included graffiti clean up, trash pick up, work at volunteer fire departments, beautification projects, etc.
Only three graduates have been re-arrested, giving the program a 9% recidivism rate as compared to the national average of 40% to 60% recidivism for non-drug court participants. Drug court graduates entered the program with a total of 230 criminal offenses. Since graduation, criminal offenses involving these parties have been reduced 92% with no re-arrests for drugs. Valencia County Juvenile Drug Court has proven to be extremely effective in reducing criminal activity and substance abuse among its participants.
Valencia County Juvenile Drug Court is an innovative and collaborative endeavor developing and utilizing partnerships with other agencies throughout Valencia County. Community partners include Y.D.I., Inc., Valencia County Literacy Program, Americorp, UNMVC Adult Education Program, New Mexico Department of Health, Valencia County Cooperative Extension and many other local entities. These partnerships provide free or low cost services to drug court clients while promoting positive interaction and cooperation with the community.
Valencia County Juvenile Drug Court places importance on the value of education and its impact on the future of our participants. The drug court has 100% educational attainment of its graduates. Additionally, a comprehensive and innovative educational program is being adopted by the drug court. This program will test the educational aptitude of all juveniles entering the program. Based on these test results, participants will receive individualized assistance in improving educational abilities. Tutoring is currently being provided by Americorp and other volunteers. Several drug court participants have gone on to college.
Valencia County Juvenile Drug Court has a strong team and is under the leadership of District Judge, John W. Pope. Representation from Juvenile Probation and Parole, the District Attorneys’ Office, Y.D.I., Sheriff Department, Hogares, Inc., and Public Defenders’ Office creates the diversity and balance that is an integral part of the programs’ achievements. Interest from the community continues to grow as the programs success becomes more evident with each winning graduate. The continued dedication of the team and judge and the innovation shown by this drug court will ensure that current and future participants will receive the best treatment and services possible.
| Mailing Address: |
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P.O. Box 1089
Los Lunas, NM 87031 |
| Physical Address: |
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444 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM |
| Location: |
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MapQuest Link |
| Phone: |
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505.865.4261 ext. 138 |
| Fax: |
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505.865.9343 |
| Email: |
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lludcff@nmcourts.com |
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