THE LEGISLATURE WILL BE ASKED NEXT YEAR TO LOOK AT THE IMPACT INCARCERATING ADULTS IN NEW MEXICO IS HAVING ON FAMILIES … ESPECIALLY CHILDREN. AN ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION STUDY FOUND THAT 10 PERCENT OF KIDS IN THE STATE HAVE HAD A PARENT WHO’S BEEN JAILED OR IMPRISONED.
VERONICA GARCIA WITH NEW MEXICO VOICES FOR CHILDREN SAYS IF IT’S THE BREADWINNER JAILED, IT HURTS MORE THAN THE FAMILY’S INCOME. SHE SAYS IT ALSO IMPACTS THE COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD. THAT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE CHILD TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL.
GARCIA SAYS IT CAN ALSO AFFECT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. SHE SAYS BLACKS HAVE A SMALL POPULATION IN NEW MEXICO … BUT ARE OVER-REPRESENTED IN JAIL COMPARED TO WHITES AND HISPANICS. SHE SAYS MANY IN OUR JAILS ARE THERE FOR NON-VIOLENT CRIMES.
