Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

U.S. SENATOR Jeff Bingaman

Monday, September 14, 2009

Contact Senator Bingaman's Office:

Jude McCartin
Maria Najera
703 Hart Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5521

Bingaman-Secured Funding Released for Doña Ana County Juvenile Justice Project

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator today said he is pleased the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released funding he secured for a juvenile justice project in Doña Ana County.

Bingaman secured $180,000 in a FY 2009 spending bill for a jail diversion program in the Doña Anna County Detention Center.  Funding will enhance the existing jail diversion project by assisting misdemeanor offenders who are found to be mentally ill in obtaining services to help them with their rehabilitation and recovery.

"Juvenile detention centers too often are not prepared or equipped to deal with mental illnesses. This funding will provide law enforcement officials with the training they need to address mental health situations," Bingaman said.

Additionally, Bingaman say the Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico will receive $500,000 to help reduce domestic violence.  Funding will be used for an education and outreach campaign to help end domestic violence in Northern New Mexico.

The following communities were also awarded funding through the DOJ's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which provides grants to states, tribes, and local governments to help implement crime prevention and crime control policies in their communities.