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

By: Jason Smith, Executive Director at Michigan Center for Youth Justice Research has demonstrated that youth involved in the juvenile justice system significantly benefit from community-based services. A report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation revealed that youth placed in community-oriented programs have a higher chance of graduating high school, securing employment, and avoiding re-arrest compared to those in residential facilities. In contrast, placement in juvenile just