Santa Fe County and the City of Santa Fe have introduced the Youth ARISE Pilot, a program aimed at preventing youth violence and supporting young people under the age of 24 who are considered at risk for involvement in violent behavior. The initiative seeks to connect participants with support teams and resources to encourage positive changes.
Referrals to Youth ARISE come from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Probation. Once referred, each participant is assigned a case manager who helps develop an individualized plan based on their needs and goals. Participants are also matched with mentors—peers who have overcome similar challenges.
Multiple local organizations collaborate to provide counseling, education, job assistance, or other services as needed. The program aims to help young people chart their own course and eventually become leaders or mentors themselves.
Youth ARISE stands for Action, Respect, Intervention, Strength, and Empowerment. Planning began in 2021 after community members called for alternatives to punitive approaches to youth violence. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, the program emphasizes accountability, healing, and opportunity.
The core objectives include listening to those most affected by violence, reducing barriers to services and opportunities, improving coordination among community resources, and supporting long-term stability. While inspired by diversion court models, Youth ARISE is specifically tailored for local youth needs. The team consists of mentors with lived experience as well as clinicians and community partners working together.
Success is measured not only by avoiding legal trouble but also by helping participants find purpose, build healthy relationships, and make future plans.
“At the heart of Youth ARISE is the belief that young people have strengths, goals, and potential worth investing in,” said Chanelle Delgado, Santa Fe County’s Youth and Family Services Division Manager. “Lasting change happens when young people feel supported by their community.”
Sandy Emory, City of Santa Fe Violence Prevention Program Manager added: “Youth ARISE looks at the full picture of a young person’s life. Instead of focusing only on punishment, we’re working to address the underlying challenges and create real opportunities for change.”
The pilot will be adjusted based on results and community feedback with an eye toward expanding successful strategies throughout Santa Fe County and New Mexico.
This joint effort is led by Santa Fe County—which operates under a Board of County Commissioners for policy-making purposes—and the City of Santa Fe with funding from both governments along with support from the New Mexico Department of Health’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. According to the official website (https://www.santafecountynm.gov/), Santa Fe County provides essential services such as public safety and health across municipalities including incorporated areas and pueblos while promoting transparent governance through public engagement initiatives.
