By: Jennifer Peacock, Policy Director at Michigan Center for Youth Justice On Tuesday, May 23, the Michigan Center for Youth Justice partnered with the Walker Institute at Western Michigan University to provide support to the second cohort of Juvenile Justice Fellows in Lansing, Michigan. This year-long program is designed to empower youth and families who have direct or indirect involvement in the juvenile justice system by equipping them with the necessary tools to become a

By: Jason Smith, Executive Director at Michigan Center for Youth Justice Last year, MCYJ worked to move our key policy priorities forward to transform the lives of Michigan children, youth, young adults, and their families. While the Debt-Free Justice bill package–that would put to an end the assessment and collection of most juvenile court fines and fees–did not advance in the previous legislative session, we are optimistic and ready for 2023. Through the efforts of the Ta

By: Jason Smith, Executive Director at Michigan Center for Youth Justice Diversion is a community-led approach founded on principles of youth well-being and restorative justice that serves as a successful alternative to traditional court involvement. In most cases, diversion programs cost less, are more effective at reducing recidivism, and avoid the harms that could result from formal court supervision. While most communities in Michigan offer some form of diversion from ju