Pilot program launching to help offenders with mental health issues in San Miguel County

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – Court systems across New Mexico repeatedly deal with the problem of low-level offenders released from jail, because they’re not competent to stand trial. Now the state is testing out a program to stop that cycle and connect people with mental health issues, with the help they need.

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The Competency Diversion Pilot Program is designed to create a pathway to treatment for people in the criminal justice system. San Miguel County District Judge, Michael Aragon, said it’s about trying to reduce the revolving door when it comes to offenders with mental illnesses.

“That is the intent, to really eliminate the need in our institutions and have these individuals lead productive lives, connecting them with services, financial services,” said Judge Michael Aragon, San Miguel County.

The pilot project will launch in Las Vegas this Friday. The program is voluntary and when participants join they will get assigned to a Forensic Navigator who will work with them for at least six months, to help find them treatment and community services. Participants will be screened for eligibility and anyone charged with a DWI would not qualify. The pilot program launched first in Doña Ana County this June. A judge there, Alexander Rossario, said their program has been a success.

“We had a couple of bumps initially but within a few days we were able to identify where and we’ve been able to streamline that process,” said Judge Alexander Rossario, Doña Ana County.

The pilot program doesn’t require participants to travel to an office or central location and instead meets them where they live. After the pilot program launches San Miguel County the plan is to expand it to Lincoln and Otero Counties. The legislature allocated the funding for the program.

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