Socorro County Detention Center launches parenting program

A new program at the Socorro County Detention Center is giving incarcerated parents—both mothers and fathers—a chance to strengthen their parenting skills and, in some cases, reconnect with their children.

“Every child needs both parents in their lives,” Detention Administrator Eddie Garcia said. “This class is about giving moms and dads the tools to connect with their kids, even while they’re here, so that when they leave, they have something positive to build on.”

Last week the facility launched its first nine-week parenting class, taught by Juanita Mendoza of Casa de Luz. Nine participants attended the opening session, which focused on communication, discipline, and the importance of mental health in raising children.

The class is part of the RISE program and open to any RISE parent in custody. During the classes, participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and challenges, reflecting on childhood memories while learning healthier approaches to raising kids today. Topics include how to manage difficult situations in public, alternatives to physical discipline, and ways to build positive communication.

The idea for the initiative got a foothold when RISE participant Jose Alvarado recently began supervised visits with his infant daughter.

“JC Trujillo [of Casa de Luz] came and sat down with me and asked, ‘Hey, what do you think about allowing him to visit his daughter here in the facility?,” Garcia said. “I said, of course, what better way to allow him to start getting to know that relationship than when he’s sober and clean? If we can establish those relationships here while being incarcerated, it kind of gives them value and an understanding of hey, maybe this is what I need. I’m going to change my life.”

Garcia plans to expand the program mid-way through the course, arranging offsite visits at Casa de Luz in a more natural setting where parents can spend time with their children.

Then, at the end of the nine weeks, participants will receive certificates of completion. But the real reward, Garcia said, is giving parents the chance to break unhealthy cycles and return to their families better prepared.