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Socorro ISD launches First Offender program to divert students from criminal records in THC cases
Summary
District officials described a region‑first First Offender program for students caught with THC that redirects first‑time incidents into counseling, treatment plans and parent engagement; 28 students are enrolled and a $114,000 grant will fund monitoring and supports.
Socorro ISD on Nov. 19 presented a First Offender program intended to divert first‑time student THC incidents away from the juvenile court record and into school‑based supports.
Doctor Graham, director of administrative services, told the board the program — created in partnership with juvenile probation, law enforcement and local judges — is designed to avoid criminal convictions that can affect college and military eligibility. Graham said participation is limited to first‑time offenders and requires parent or guardian agreement, counseling or treatment plans, and weekly monitoring at each campus.
"The first offender program is the first in the region," Graham said. Enrollment runs from ages 10 to 16; 28 students were enrolled at the time of the report. She said the program was funded in part by a grant of $114,000 to support a monitor, mentoring and data collection.
Board members and staff described a companion campus alternative education program to reduce disruption to students’ education. Trustees praised the local partnership and noted the program could serve as a pilot for broader use if data show lower recidivism.
Graham said the district will provide updates to the Board of Trustees and juvenile probation with monitoring data as it becomes available.
