ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)— Juvenile justice leaders in Bernalillo County are facing a sobering reality: 37% of the youth in their detention center are currently facing murder charges. “The level of violence that our youth is committing is staggering, and we have to find ways to balance meaningful consequences with support,” said Tamera Marcantel, Director of the Bernalillo County Youth Services Center.
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Marcantel presented before the state’s Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee on Monday, urging lawmakers to support a funding increase for the county’s Youth Services Center. At the heart of the request is a critical staffing shortage. Marcantel said roughly one-third of staff positions are currently vacant, leaving the facility operating below capacity—even as demand continues to rise…