NCJ Number
189693
Date Published
2001
Length
75 pages
Annotation
This report provided a comprehensive description of the San Juan County, New Mexico, Grade Court program building a foundation on hard work and education to reduce recidivism and the commitment of children to juvenile institutions.
Abstract
The Grade Court program instituted in the San Juan County District Court in New Mexico is a year round sentencing alternative for medium to high risk delinquent youth who have dropped out of school or who have earned lower than a “C” on their last report card. The program is a cooperative effort among the Court, Juvenile Justice, the schools and families to increase the success of juvenile offenders through the power of education. Grade Court acknowledges the importance of educating youth in the community and its ability to reduce recidivism and the number of children committed to institutions. Juveniles are ordered into the program immediately after adjudication. This holds the juvenile accountable for their actions and reinforces the idea that there is no time to waste concerning youth and their education. At the point of enrollment, parents of the juvenile are made party to the petition and assume the responsibility of supervising their children. Parents are directed to monitor the juvenile concerning the conditions of their house arrest and to get involved in the youth’s daily education. Parents are required to accompany the youth to monthly Grade Court appearances and attend parenting classes. Failure to comply with the conditions set under the Grade Court result in parents attending school with the youth for up to 1 week and the youth receiving a weekend in detention. The judicial system was seen as providing 24-hour structure in the community and encouraging discipline and self-esteem in delinquent youth. In order to complete the program, the student must get “Cs” or better for two consecutive report cards, graduate from high school, or get their G.E.D. In addition, each student successfully completing the program is offered a full 2-year scholarship to San Juan College and community members donate the funds for the scholarships.