Every child deserves a fair shot. Yet in Michigan, too many kids walk into court without a trained attorney by their side. The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform found that Michigan lacks a centralized structure, funding, and standards for youth defense, leaving outcomes to chance and placing youth constitutional rights at risk.

Without proper representation, youth may:

Be detained unnecessarily
Accept unjust plea deals
Miss educational opportunities
Face long-term harm to their futures

This isn’t just unfair. It’s avoidable.

Creating Juvenile Defense Standards

A Legislative Solution: House Bill 4070 / Senate Bill 81

In response to the Task Force’s findings, the Justice for Kids and Communities legislative package was developed to strengthen Michigan’s youth justice system. House Bill 4070, sponsored by Representative Sarah Lightner (R-Springport), and Senate Bill 81, sponsored by Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township), would:

Expand the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission’s (MIDC) authority to include juvenile defense services
Require specialized training for attorneys representing youth
Add a youth defense expert to the MIDC
Establish statewide standards and oversight for juvenile defense
Amends titles & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq.).

This legislation is bipartisan and a critical need. When youth have an attorney supported by the MIDC and trained in juvenile defense, they are better equipped to advocate for interventions and treatments that align with their needs. Matching youth with the appropriate services has been shown to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism.

Download our legislative overview here.

Take Action!

Send an email to the Michigan State House urging for a vote on juvenile defense.
Host MCYJ for a public education event. We can provide in-person or virtual overviews on the importance for juvenile defense services and ways your community can take action. Email Policy Director, Jen Peacock at jpeacock@miyouthjustice.org to set up an event.
Use our juvenile defense campaign kit for social media.