The Council finds:
(A) The New Mexico Department of Health found that youth who feel connected to family and to school, and who have a positive sense of themselves, have a lower rate of serious risk-taking behaviors than teens without these advantages;
(B) A focus on criminalizing youth behavior has proven to be ineffective in creating positive outcomes for youth;
(C) Existing youth programs would benefit from the coordination and collaboration created by a Department of Youth; and
(D) A new Department of Youth would elevate the critical importance of our city’s young people and their needs, services and programs.
(Ord. 64-2005)