Report Type: Assessment Funding Literature Review Recommendations SB3
SB3 Region 2 Stakeholder Committee Presentation
YEAR
2026
AUTHOR / ORGANIZATION
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE
Behavioral Health Region, Statewide (New Mexico)
What is this?
This is a stakeholder committee meeting presentation for Region 2 dated February 6, 2026, synthesizing four separate documents: the Council of State Governments CIPSY report on youth and public safety, the Manatt Medicaid waiver feasibility study, youth focus group outcomes from Future Focused Education and El Puente, and the HCA SB3 regional funding formula. The methodology for the underlying reports varied: CIPSY findings were informed by aggregate data analysis, statutory review, administrative policy analysis, and listening sessions with diverse stakeholders including CYFD, courts, service providers, DOH, HCA, and advocates. The Manatt study evaluated current systems, identified what is working and missing, and made recommendations. Youth focus groups gathered direct input from young people through partner organizations.
Summary
This stakeholder meeting document consolidates critical guidance for behavioral health systems change in Region 2 (Bernalillo County area). The CIPSY report identifies that while New Mexico has made significant investments in youth behavioral health through SB3, 1115 waiver approval, and CCBHCs, the state lacks a coordinated, research-based approach to early intervention services. Key recommendations include establishing statewide youth behavioral health infrastructure that strengthens coordination across agencies, expanding evidence-based violence prevention services, and aligning juvenile justice practices with research. The Manatt study found that New Mexico’s $1 billion annual behavioral health investment covers most essential services but has critical gaps in rural provider access, supportive housing, and TBI identification. Rather than pursuing a complex new waiver, the study recommends expanding ACT and mobile crisis services, strengthening housing programs, and improving navigation tools. Youth focus groups emphasized the need to normalize behavioral health services, broaden youth participation in treatment decisions, and create mentorship opportunities. Region 2 is allocated $14.5 million over three years under the SB3 funding formula, with approximately $1 million designated for Native American services.
BH Systems Change Recommendations
**CIPSY Report Recommendations:** 1. Establish a statewide youth violence prevention and intervention strategy with a public health approach 2. Strengthen the BH and youth-serving workforce and expand the network of providers working with adolescents at-risk of/involved in the juvenile justice system 3. Better align CYFD juvenile justice policies and practices with research to improve outcomes 4. Establish statewide youth BH infrastructure that strengthens coordination and alignment across agencies and providers and expands the use of evidence-based services 5. Create a more uniform approach to diversion and expand diversion opportunities to additional low-risk youth across the state **Manatt Study Recommendations:** 1. Expand access to already covered services like ACT and mobile crisis 2. Expand supportive housing programs that help with rent and offer services 3. Provide more "navigation tools" to individuals with SMI, SUD, and TBI to connect to services 4. Consider adding new home-and community-based services like personal care, skills coaching, and supportive employment (if not filled by SB3) 5. Improve services for special populations including individuals with TBI, children and youth, individuals in nursing facilities, and pregnant or new mothers with SUD 6. Strengthen the BH system foundation by expanding workforce, creating educational tools, and improving transportation access 7. Consider using 1915(i) option rather than complex waiver for SMI, SUD, and TBI supports if still needed after SB3 implementation
How to Use for Systems Planning
**What this report IS useful for:** - Understanding the current state of youth behavioral health and juvenile justice systems in New Mexico - Identifying specific funding allocations for Region 2 under SB3 ($14.5 million over 3 years) - Prioritizing investments in workforce, housing, coordination infrastructure, and youth violence prevention - Understanding youth perspectives on behavioral health service delivery - Guidance on whether to pursue additional Medicaid waivers (recommendation: no) **What this report DOES NOT provide:** - Detailed implementation plans or timelines for recommendations - Specific provider or program data for Bernalillo County - Budget breakdowns for specific service categories within the allocation - Evaluation metrics or outcome measures for tracking progress - Contracts, MOUs, or operational guidance for regional coordination
Key Facts & Data Points
- New Mexico spends approximately $1 billion annually on behavioral health services - Nearly 295,000 people receive behavioral health services; Medicaid pays for over 90% - Youth arrest rate for violent crimes in 2022 was 61% lower than in 2010 - Weapons offenses made up only 4% of juvenile referrals in FY25 - New Mexico has established 12 years old as the minimum age of detention - Five CCBHCs have been launched statewide - SB3 regional funding totals $115,500,000 over three years - Region 2 total allocation: $14,486,367 - Region 2 Native American allocation: $1,056,850 - Region 2 population: 670,922 (31.3% of state population) - Region 2 Native American service population: 48,947 (7.3% of region)
Priority Services & Findings
**SUD Organizations** - Current Medicaid covers full range of SUD prevention and treatment services - Reentry services being expanded - Gap identified: Lack of supportive housing for people with SUD, particularly for reentry from hospital, RTC, or justice system - Gap identified: Some important services not available to individuals without Medicaid - Recommendation: Improve services for pregnant or new mothers with SUD **Mental Health / Crisis Care** - Mobile crisis teams being launched and expanded - Crisis response services available as alternatives to 911 or ED - ACT services currently covered but need expansion - Gap identified: Lack of BH providers in rural/frontier areas - Gap identified: Identification of individuals with TBI and connection to appropriate services - Recommendation: Expand access to ACT and mobile crisis services **Integrated Primary Care** - Network of school-based health centers identified as strength - DOH operates School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) - Recommendation: Strengthen transportation access to improve service connections **School-Based / Youth Services** - Elimination of fines and fees requiring schools to address truancy without court involvement - CYFD Family Resource Centers newly established - Foundation for statewide evidence-based resource center through NMSU Center of Innovation - Youth report need for addiction supports specifically for youth - Youth want broader opportunities to access services and participate in treatment decisions - Youth request mentorships and paid internships to see promising futures - Gap identified: Limited coordination of care and statewide efforts not aligned for youth services
Immediate Actions for Systems Planners
-Incorporate Region 2's $14.5 million SB3 allocation into regional planning, designating appropriate resources for Native American services ($1 million) -Establish coordination mechanisms between CYFD, DOH, HCA, schools, and CCBHCs to address the identified gap in cross-system alignment for youth behavioral health -Prioritize workforce expansion strategies for adolescent behavioral health providers, particularly in underserved areas -Develop regional supportive housing programs for individuals with SMI, SUD, and TBI transitioning from hospitals, RTCs, or the justice system -Create youth engagement structures that incorporate focus group findings about normalizing services and youth participation in treatment -Expand navigation tools and pathways to help individuals with SMI, SUD, and TBI learn about and connect to existing services -Align regional juvenile justice diversion programs with research-based practices to expand opportunities for low-risk youth -Monitor SB3 implementation before pursuing additional 1915(i) options
Key Contacts
**/ - Administrative Office of the Courts = - Annie E. Casey Foundation = - BernCo Juvenile Justice Continuum Board = - Children, Youth & Families Dept (CYFD) Juvenile Justice Services Division **/ - Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC) = - Legislative Finance Committee **/ - NM Health Care Authority = - Office of the State Auditor