A Mothers Thoughts on New Mexico's Pilot Diversion Program in Otero County

Every morning when I wake up in this beautiful Land of Enchantment I remember my son is gone.

This morning I woke and remembered, 10 years ago today my son walked the line and accepted his high school diploma. Graduating high school was such an amazing time for him. It was a time for his hopes and dreams to be realized, it was a time for him to enter adulthood. It was also a time for him to take control of his medical and mental health autonomy, this was also a time for him to take responsibility for his actions and crimes committed in his juvenile years.

In early 2009, my family was forever changed when my son was diagnosed with Bi-polar Disorder with Suicidal Ideations, PTSD, Impulsive Control Disorder, and Oppositional Defiance Disorder. This lead to years of behavioral issues, addiction, and petty juvenile crime. I was at a loss! I had to quickly learn everything I could about teenage mental health in these most important and formative years, and teach myself how to help my son. Eventually The Twelfth Judicial courts had to intervene, and I could finally take a moment to breath…or so I thought. The behavioral issues turned to petty crimes of vandalism and theft. I needed more help, so I unfortunately turned to local law enforcement, always looking for any way to help my son

Again, to my utter dismay, I trusted the wrong law enforcement officer, and my son committed his first felony with his son! 

Next, my son moved to drugs, quick way to make a buck. Now, petty crimes have turned to felonies, and during all this, he is ignoring his mental health, because he no longer cares, why should he, when he felt nobody else did? He was wrong! I cared and so did The Twelfth Judicial District Courts.

For years our courts have been overwhelmed with criminal cases that have stemmed from a mental health crisis, and in those years, our courts and community leaders have worked hard to find a way to get the help and resources so badly needed in our counties.

For my son, it’s too late, but for all those struggling with mental health issues, there is help!

The hard work is finally paying off. Today I attended a launch of an amazing initiative to help combat the current mental health and crime crisis in both Otero and Lincoln Counties.

This Competency Diversion pilot program offers help for those suffering with Mental Health issues, housing, food, and safe employment. This program offers much needed resources that some may not know are readily available. Today our courts and our community leaders have stepped up in a big way, and as a member of this community, I have to applaud their hard work and say thank you to all those who made this program possible. The host of today’s launch was Twelfth Judicial District Court Chief Judge Angie K. Schneider, and I was honored to be able to shake her hand and thank her, for not only making sure my son was safe, when he needed safety, but making sure everyone suffering from mental health issues can reach out and seek the help they may need.

I hope this one commentary will help our community know that there is help out there, and our courts and our community leaders do care about everyone of our citizens!

Please reach out if you need help, before your mental health crisis becomes a crime. In an emergency call 911. In a mental health crisis dial 988 to talk, text or chat.

NOTE: Jena Matise is a guest commentator. She is a mother, activist and an aspiring writer. Mrs. Matise is writing a memoir in memory of the loss of her son and her journey through grief to activism.