Priorities
Through research, collaboration, and advocacy-oriented strategies, we work to shape public policy and educate justice system stakeholders.
Creating Juvenile Defense Standards
MCYJ is dedicated to ensuring kids have equitable access to qualified legal representation in the juvenile justice system. We will continue to advocate for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to set specific standards for youth defense, require specialized training for attorneys representing juveniles, and add a youth expert to the commission. Click here to learn more about this legislation.
In December of 2023, a comprehensive juvenile justice reform bill package was signed into law by Lt. Governor Gilchrist. This bill signing marked a historic day in Michigan for juvenile justice reform. MCYJ is dedicated to supporting the implementation of this transformative reform throughout Michigan.
Workforce Development
MCYJ is engaging in research, outreach, engagement and advocacy regarding workforce policies and programs for Michigan's justice-involved youth. Through national and state research, robust collaboration, and advocacy, MCYJ is committed to helping Michigan become a leader in workforce development programs for justice-involved youth.
MCYJ's Voices of Justice Youth Fellowship is a leadership program for justice-involved youth ages 16-22. Our fellowship provides young people the tools, resources, and mentorship to turn personal experiences into powerful advocacy for change. You can learn more about the fellowship here.
We are committed to ensuring that young people across our state have access to the care and treatment they need in a safe, nurturing environment. You can learn more about the use of out-of-home placement in Michigan here.
Through research, collaboration, and advocacy-oriented strategies, we work to shape public policy and educate justice system stakeholders. We are committed to utilizing feedback from communities to inform our efforts. To better guide our priorities, in 2024, we commissioned a statewide poll of registered voters conducted by Marketing Resource Group to explore the current public opinion on juvenile justice. To read more about the results, click here.​​
The bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force, formed by Governor Whitmer and led by Lt. Governor Gilchrist, took a comprehensive look at the state’s system and released its report on July 22, 2022 with 32 recommendations for improving Michigan’s juvenile justice system. MCYJ is committed to enacting these essential reforms to transform our juvenile justice system. You can view the report here.
Children are our most vulnerable population, which is why MCYJ’s mission centers on protecting and advocating for them. Right now, migrant children and children of immigrants are uniquely vulnerable as aggression and targeting toward immigrant populations increasingly impacts all aspects of their lives. You can read our full statement, which includes links and a list of resources, here.