Sendero Re-entry Court – El Paso

U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo
A Path to Positive Transformation

Commenced in 2011, Sendero is a response to high probation revocation and recidivism rates. As a team under the jurisdiction of U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo, we believe in strengthening the community by supporting Sendero participants on their journeys.

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide an environment in which re-entering citizens can learn and practice mindful decision making, accountability, and life skills with intense support.

PHILOSOPHY

Sendero Re-entry Court is designed to provide services to participants returning to the Western District of Texas by engaging agencies and service providers in the community, to develop and implement strategies to reduce recidivism, and successfully reintegrate participants into the community.

ELIGIBILITY

All potential participants must be:

  • On the docket of U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo
  • Non-Violent Offenders
  • Have a medium to high risk level on the RPI (Risk Prediction Index) and PCRA (Post Conviction Risk Assessment) score
  • Must be willing to participate and abide by program rules, treatment requirements and conditions of supervision

EXPECTED COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPANT BENEFITS

For the Participant:

  • Preparing and assisting the participant to lead a drug-free lifestyle
  • Participants receive a reduction in their term of supervised release if the program is completed successfully
  • Assisting participants with employment and educational opportunities to enhance their quality of life
  • Providing a positive atmosphere and support team to succeed in accomplishing the goals of the program
  • Developing self-sufficiency and responsibility

For the Community:

  • Alternative to incarceration saves $31,976 per offender per year (June 24, 2017, U.S. Bureau of Prisons)
  • Participant maintains gainful employment, furtherance of education, payment of taxes and child support
  • Reduction of recidivism
  • Reunification of families
  • Promotion of community safety

NAVIGATING SENDERO (PHASES)

The Sendero Reentry Court is an 18-month program which consists of 3 phases.

The three phases are:

  • Phase I – Learning New Skills
  • Phase II – Mastering Your New Skills
  • Phase III – Turning Your New Skills Into Habits

The program consists of elevated judicial supervision and each phase includes participation in and compliance with:

  • Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
  • Shadows to Light Program
  • Drug screenings
  • Employment monitoring and assistance
  • Use of Mindfulness Meditation and Journaling
  • Mentorship Program
  • Financial Fitness/Bienestar Financiero

COURT SESSIONS

During the Sendero program, each participant will attend a Court session once a month or as directed by the Probation Officer or the Court.

At each court hearing, each participant shares his or her latest challenges, achievements, and goals and in return receives feedback and encouragement from the entire team.

Magdalena Chaparro
Senior U.S. Probation Officer
Reentry Court Coordinator
700 E. San Antonio Suite 500
El Paso, TX 79901
Office: (915) 585-6586
Cell: (915) 861-8892
Fax: (915) 585-6521
Email: Maggie Chaparro



TESTIMONIALS

“The Sendero program in my opinion and personal experience is the perfect support system for anyone returning to the community after prison. This program taught me a lot about myself…it pointed me in the right direction and gave me the opportunity to continue my journey on my new life…” Sendero Graduate ~ A.P.

“I would highly recommend the Sendero program to anyone who is searching to heal his or her soul and would like to return to a successful and prosperous life… It made me perceive the world differently by creating an inner-strength.” Sendero Graduate ~ C.G.

“I thank my whole Sendero family for adopting me and making the man I am now. Thank you for being there at my lowest and for being there at my happiest moments…The Sendero program was a huge blessing in disguise it change my life in and out from worse to good.” Sendero Graduate ~ A.L.P.