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This month’s Board Member Spotlight features Dave Bartek, who currently serves as an independent consultant in both the nonprofit and private sectors. This allows him to share his long and deep experience in leadership, employee engagement, strategic development, and business planning, along with team and individual coaching. Dave has held multiple and varied leadership positions over the last 25 years, coaching and mentoring on the finer points of leadership style and approach, working one-on-one with individual team members to help them find their voice and strength, or facilitating program management staff to think beyond themselves and achieve their highest potential. His core focus has always been and continues to be on one thing: PEOPLE, always focusing on implementing solutions where individuals and families can be positively impacted. What first made you interested in joining the board of MCYJ? I was invited to join by my good friend, Dr. William ‘Chuck’ Jackson, to speak with Jason Smith.  Chuck and I got to know each other through the work that we both did with various nonprofit entities when we were CEOs.  The focus on everything around racial equity and social justice made the idea of working with MCYJ very appealing to me, where I could use my experience in nonprofit work to engage with a board focused on juvenile justice. When Jason and I spoke, Jason was very interested in my being able to bring my background to help in the work of MCYJ.  Discovering the deep passion and commitment that Jason, and the entire MCYJ staff, have to juvenile justice made it an easy decision to join and contribute whatever I could to help move the work forward. What would you like fellow youth justice reform advocates to know about you? I have always advocated for social justice and equity, whether in the various nonprofit leadership roles I have held over the last 15 years or even during my private sector days. I have always advocated for just treatment and care for individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, and cultural influences, and feel that, in my board role with MCYJ, I can use my experiences and insights to help further move the needle in a positive trajectory, not unlike the quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that states "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." Taking these words to heart is something that I consider very seriously and with great conviction.  Although I am a white male, with corresponding privileges afforded me that are not afforded to others of color, I have friends and family members, both immediate and extended, who are people of different backgrounds and races that also drive my investment in my time and energy to this work. Having this direct connection has always compelled me to participate and actively engage wherever I can to help bend that arc as Dr. King envisioned. What are your broad goals for 2024 surrounding juvenile justice reform? My goal as a participating board member is to help MCYJ focus on those issues and circumstances where the agency can have the most significant impact.  The policy wins of 2023 were monumental in both breadth and scope. I look forward to doing whatever I can, individually and collectively, to help in the broader implementation of those policies and continue advocating for the change to ensure a more humane and just juvenile justice environment.  The MCYJ statement that ‘Kids who get in trouble are still kids’ resonates deeply with me and compels me in the work. Lastly, a “just for fun” question - what do you like to do in your spare time? Grandkids, grandkids, grandkids…did I say GRANDKIDS!?!?  I have three between the ages of 2 and 3, and they are an absolute blast…although very tiring for me as well.

By: Denita Dorsey, Outreach and Advocacy Manager As I navigate this role as Outreach and Advocacy Manager, I reflect on the significance of this opportunity and its responsibility. Working in the realm of juvenile justice is not merely about implementing policies; it's about upholding core values that prioritize the well-being and rights of our youth and their families. First and foremost, let’s address the term “core values.” Core values to MCYJ are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide an organization's actions and decisions. In the context of juvenile justice advocacy, core values serve as the compass that directs our efforts toward meaningful and impactful change. These values are not just abstract concepts. They are the cornerstone of our mission to create a fair and equitable system for young people. MCYJ has existing core values to guide our work as an organization. However, we felt it necessary to create a separate set of core values specific to our youth and family engagement work. One of the primary reasons why having core values is crucial in juvenile justice work is because it grounds us in our purpose. When faced with complex challenges and competing interests, our core values provide us with clarity and direction. For instance, if one of our core values is equity, we can ensure that our advocacy efforts prioritize addressing systemic disparities and promoting inclusive policies that uplift marginalized communities. As for me, the MCYJ team's core values will be the foundation for building trust and credibility within the communities we serve. In juvenile justice, where trust is paramount, aligning our actions with our values will foster authentic relationships with youth and families. When they see that we are committed to respect and transparency, they are likelier to engage with us and actively participate in the advocacy process. I look forward to new youth and family engagement opportunities and MCYJ sharing our formalized list of youth and family engagement values and principles with you in the coming weeks. These values will inform our approach to communication, collaboration, and empowerment. By using core values to center our purpose, we will create a supportive environment where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to be agents of change in their own lives and communities.

*Note: The material that is mentioned in this interview may be triggering to some individuals. Topics include gun violence, familial loss, and wrongful conviction. Please take care of yourself and proceed with caution as you read. We are excited to share our second Board Member Spotlight, a blog series that showcases the incredible individuals who make up MCYJ’s board of directors. This month features Ronald Simpson-Bey, a national leader in the movement to decarcerate America, currently working as the Executive Vice President for JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA). Ronald is an LPI-trained leadership coach and serves on the Advisory Committee for the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab (PJIL) at the Texas LBJ School of Law. He also serves as the Board Treasurer for both the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) and MCYJ; additionally, he is one of the co-founders of both the Nation Outside and the Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration (MI-CEMI) organizations. He formerly served as the Vice-Chair for the ABA Criminal Justice Section Victims Committee and as a Special Advisor for the ABA Criminal Justice Section Council. What do you like most about being an MCYJ board member? Being a Michigan native and having had a longtime interest in serving criminal justice reform efforts in Michigan and across the country, being a board member provides me with an essential and viable avenue to do so. On Father’s Day 2001, my only son, who was 21 at the time, was shot and killed by a 14-year-old in Flint, Michigan. Instead of seeking retribution, I advocated for the child to be treated as a child and not an adult and forced into the adult prison system. Serving on the board is one of many ways that I make sure that my son’s death is not in vain. What would you like fellow juvenile justice reform advocates to know about you? That I am a vital force among forces and refuse to be the victim of a pre-arranged destiny! I served 27 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections from 1985-2012 on a wrongful conviction. I fought all those years for my innocence, and I wrote the habeas corpus appeal that won my freedom. While I was incarcerated, I developed and facilitated many programs to assist the youth incarcerated in Michigan prisons. Even after my release, at my previous job at the American Friends Service Committee, I developed a co-mentorship program called the Good Neighbor Project that connected both incarcerated adults and youth to people in the community to educate and elevate both parties’ understanding of what it takes to be a good citizen. What are your broad goals for 2024 surrounding juvenile justice reform? I have two broad goals in 2024 surrounding juvenile justice reform. First, my organization, JustLeadershipUSA, has an adult leadership development program called Emerging Leaders (EL) for directly impacted people. The EL training imparts and elevates the skills necessary to help someone advocate effectively for themselves and their community. Last year, we partnered with a juvenile justice organization out of New York City, Exalt, to adjust the adult curriculum and make it suitable for youth training. We had a successful pilot training event in New York, and one of my goals is to scale it up and export it to juvenile facilities and organizations nationwide. Second, JLUSA believes in investing in the leadership of others. Since 2015, we have trained over 1600 directly impacted leaders in 45 states, including Washington, DC. Many of them are directly involved in juvenile justice work. We will continue to assist and uplift them in their reform efforts in various ways. Lastly, a “just for fun” question - what do you like to do in your spare time? After eating prison food for 27 years, I am a true foodie! I love to cook, and I love to eat! My work requires me to travel a lot, so I have eaten at a lot of restaurants all over the world. I ate at so many restaurants that back in 2016 or so, I started writing reviews for TripAdvisor. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I had 200,000 followers on TripAdvisor! My other spare time fun is cars! Years ago, I used to build and drag race cars. I am still an excellent mechanic, so I work on my vehicles and even fix cars for a few customers in my spare time. My brother and I own and operate a small auto mechanic shop in Flint, Michigan.

We are excited to share our first Board Member Spotlight, a blog series created to showcase the inspiring individuals who make up MCYJ’s board of directors. This month features Paul Elam PhD, the Chief Strategy Officer for the Michigan Public Health Institute, or MPHI, a Michigan-based nonprofit focused on developing solutions to critical public health needs. In his role, Dr. Elam is responsible for helping to diversify MPHI’s portfolio to address cutting-edge issues that affect the health and well-being of our society. Dr. Elam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience measuring racial and ethnic disproportionality. He believes that sound public policy analysis should examine whether all people are treated fairly and equitably. What first made you interested in joining the board of MCYJ (formerly MCCD)? I was first introduced to MCCD in 1996 when I joined Public Policy Associates as a project manager. One of my first projects was managing a statewide prisoner re-entry initiative with the Department of Corrections and MCCD. My work on the project helped me develop a better understanding of MCCD’s goals and mission. After my work with the project was complete, I was asked to join the board and did not hesitate, as MCCD’s goals and mission directly aligned with my interests to help create safety and justice. What do you like most about being an MCYJ board member? I enjoy observing the success and progression of the organization and seeing the leader we have in Jason, plus a staff and board that is moving the organization to a place where the work and mission can be sustained. Additionally, I am excited about the re-focus on juvenile justice and policy issues. If you’re going to implement things at scale and sustain initiatives, it has to be embedded in policy. I’m proud of the intentional focus and expertise brought to the table to engage in the policy process. This re-focus is evident in the wins and results recently occurring in Michigan. What would you like fellow juvenile justice reform advocates to know about you? I’m more of a “behind the scenes” kind of guy. However, I am committed and passionate about criminal and juvenile justice. I grew up in Detroit and experienced/saw it growing up. I studied criminal justice and urban studies at Michigan State University; now, it’s what I live and breathe. Some of my current projects include working with the state to provide a re-entry program for justice-impacted youth. The Center for Racial and Social Justice (CRSJ) at MPHI has been retained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as a care coordination agency to improve the success of youth transitioning from residential centers to stable community living using the Michigan Youth Re-entry Model. Additionally, I contract with the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice (MCJJ), which provides suggestions and solutions to the Governor on juvenile justice issues. The Committee has been crucial in changing practices, policies, and philosophies to transform the juvenile justice system. It’s an honor to be in the position statewide and nationally to work with leaders, policymakers, and universities to help them make better decisions that ultimately impact youth, children, and families nationwide. What are your broad goals for 2024 surrounding juvenile justice reform? My broad goals for 2024 focus on gun violence reduction nationally, statewide, and locally. Nationally, I am working with Advance Peace and the Office of Violence Prevention. Statewide, I am helping build coalitions across urban communities to uplift the need to invest more in community violence intervention. Locally, I am working with our elected officials at all levels to bring resources to the City of Lansing to address gun violence and the impacts that it has on our youth. One way I’m doing this is by encouraging legislators to create policies where some of the tax dollars and proceeds from the sales of guns are invested in community violence intervention. Many [justice-involved] youth don’t have access to prosocial networks, are not in school or employed, and don’t have mentors to help them make better decisions. To address this, I have helped raise over $7 million to do this work in my community and nationally, and I am already seeing results. I also helped create an 18-month fellowship, where I connect with youth on a day-to-day basis and can see that they’re beginning to make better decisions. Lastly, a “just for fun” question - what do you like to do in your spare time? I am an avid swimmer and love spending quality time with my family. I have five kids, and I enjoy playing video games with my sons and shooting hoops with my daughter, who's on her school's basketball team. I also enjoy taking time with my wife of 27 years to travel as much as possible to escape the everyday routine and make sure we have time to focus on our relationship. You can learn more about Dr. Elam and his work at www.mphi.org.

We are excited to add our first Youth Justice Advocate Profile to highlight the incredible individuals, alongside MCYJ, trying to make a lasting impact for youth in Michigan. This month we’re featuring an interview with Deshawn Leeth, the founder and executive director of Under Dawg Nation (UDN), a nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk youth who lack resources to help prevent violence and disengagement from school. His passion and dedication have led to the creation of innovative programs that provide resources, mentorship, and hope to countless young individuals at risk of coming into contact with the justice system. Tell us a little about yourself. What is your connection to the justice system? I was born the youngest of five in Detroit, MI. I started UDN in late August 2021 with the goal of keeping kids from going through what I went through in the juvenile system. Growing up was a roller coaster ride for me. By age 18, I was sentenced to 9 years in prison after years of living a criminal lifestyle on the streets. Following my release from the Michigan Department of Corrections on January 5, 2021, at 27, I have made significant strides with UDN and have made UDN a primary resource for kids in my community. What inspired you to become a Debt Free Justice fellow? When I heard about the opportunity to learn and help make the juvenile justice system better, I had to get a part of it. Knowing my life experience in the system could help youth not make the same mistakes I made. I wanted to be able to learn policy and be a part of helping make the system equal for all youth, no matter their race or financial background, so that I could stand in the gap for young people who don't have a voice and I feel like this fellowship is a step in the right direction for that. What type of work do you do as a fellow for Debt Free Justice? The work with Debt Free Justice is surrounded around Participatory Action Research. We are given an opportunity to present to the Department of Juvenile Justice on what we think would help improve the juvenile justice system. We are also learning how to gather research data from our communities and utilizing it to create data to present to our local officials to help improve our youth justice system. What was the inspiration behind your organization, Under Dawg Nation? My inspiration is to have programs that help at-risk teens impacted by the juvenile justice system or who live in below-poverty communities and provide them with resources to prevent going into the streets and disengaging from school. How can interested folks support your organization? There are plenty of ways that interested folks can support our work. We always seek positive mentors to connect with youth in our mentoring program. Additionally, we are searching for tutors to connect with our youth to help bring them into better education opportunities with our tutoring program. Monetary donations can help support our annual events that create safe spaces for kids to be kids. It takes a village to help our youth in our society. Deshawn's work reflects our shared vision of a youth justice system that uplifts and empowers young people, helping them overcome challenges and realize their full potential. By sharing his story and experiences, we hope to celebrate his accomplishments and inspire others to join the movement for positive change in youth justice. You can learn more and support Under Dawg Nation here.

By: Jason Smith, Executive Director at Michigan Center for Youth Justice Adolescence is frequently marked by impulsive actions, a propensity for taking risks, and a heightened influence of peers — traits that can sometimes lead to unlawful behavior. However, as young people mature, they typically grow out of such behaviors. This is referred to as "desistance", the process through which individuals reduce and eventually cease offending. Recognizing the differences between adolescents and adults, the U.S. Supreme Court has asserted that individuals under 18 should not be treated the same as adults in the criminal justice system. Michigan followed suit in 2019 by raising the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to 18, reflecting the belief that young individuals should have the opportunity for rehabilitation rather than facing severe adult criminal penalties. The decision to transfer a youth to the adult system, a process known as "waiving," is a complex one in Michigan. Courts must consider several factors, including the seriousness of the offense and the youth's prior record, which are often given more weight than other considerations. This emphasis can sometimes overshadow other important aspects of the case, compromising the potential for individualized review. Furthermore, this process doesn't adequately account for the fact that most adult facilities lack services appropriate for youth, a crucial factor in deciding whether to transfer a case. The recently introduced House Bill 4633 seeks to ensure that courts take a more holistic view of a young person's circumstances, by expanding the mitigating factors that must be considered before deciding to try a youth as an adult.The proposed factors include the availability of rehabilitative programming in the juvenile justice system, the young person's developmental maturity, mental and emotional health, and the cultural traditions if they are a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe. Although the seriousness of the offense and the youth's prior record will still hold the greater weight, this expansion of mitigating factors will enable a more comprehensive evaluation of each individual case, and could potentially steer young people towards more rehabilitative and age-appropriate services. In essence, House Bill (HB) 4633 offers a chance to improve the fairness and effectiveness of Michigan's juvenile justice system. By considering a young person's developmental maturity, mental health, and amenability to treatment, the justice system can better align with the reality of adolescent development and the principle of desistance. The goal is to nurture growth and positive change, ultimately leading to safer and healthier communities. To learn more about the issue of youth in the adult criminal justice system, click here.

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 advocates. As a culmination of their fellowship experience, these young changemakers had the opportunity to spend the day in the State Capitol. The fellows began their day by meeting with Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). Rep. Rogers initiated the meeting by expressing her passion for hearing from the youth, acknowledging that they are the future. She then granted the young leaders the opportunity to discuss their priorities. The fellows identified two significant concerns regarding the juvenile justice system: fines, fees, and diversion. One fellow emphasized, "Juvenile court debt is a nationwide reform priority, as local jurisdictions recognize the unequal application, fiscal ineffectiveness, and the exacerbation of poverty for youth and families due to assessments and collections." Rep. Rogers actively engaged with the fellows, encouraging deeper discussion and presenting opportunities for them to become involved at the local level. The fellows expressed their gratitude for her time and for providing opportunities to get involved locally in Kalamazoo. Following the initial meeting, the fellows had the opportunity to explore the Capitol building and attend a Senate legislative session. Recognizing the value of professional development, MCYJ and our partners at WMU arranged for the cohort to have a private conversation with two distinguished professionals from Lansing: Lindsay Huddleston II from Michigan's Children and Marcela Westrate from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. During the discussion, Lindsay and Marcela shared insights from their professional journeys and the lessons they had learned. Lindsay reassured the cohort, affirming their presence by stating, "You belong in this space." When asked about advice for younger individuals, Marcela encouraged youth to seek opportunities and explore new avenues actively. MCYJ sincerely thanks Lindsay and Marcela for generously engaging with the Juvenile Justice Fellows and sharing their valuable time and expertise. The cohort's day continued with a meeting with Senator McCann (D-Kalamazoo). Senator McCann expressed the value of hearing directly from young people. The fellows openly shared their personal experiences within the juvenile justice system, highlighting the positive impact of diversionary programs on the lives of those closest to them. One fellow expressed, "These programs serve as an alternative to the traditional court process for youth who have committed nonviolent offenses. They address underlying factors such as substance use, mental health challenges, and family conflicts while holding kids accountable." In response, Sen. McCann acknowledged their advocacy efforts and expressed his sincere appreciation, recognizing how their anecdotes added significant depth and authenticity to their priorities. MCYJ thanks Sen. McCann for dedicating time to listen and engage with the cohort actively. To conclude their day, the fellows were allowed to participate in interviews, where they shared their experiences in the fellowship and their perspectives on the juvenile justice system. Although their time in Lansing lasted only one day, their work extends beyond as the Walker Institute and MCYJ will continue to offer ongoing advocacy opportunities. We thank our partners at WMU for their invaluable support in bringing this fellowship to fruition.

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 Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, ending juvenile fines and fees will accompany five other policy priorities in 2023. To ensure supporters like you stay informed, MCYJ will spotlight a priority in each monthly newsletter. In this blog post, we will focus on one of the recommendations unanimously supported by the Task Force to enhance the Child Care Fund (CCF). The CCF is the primary funding vehicle for juvenile justice in the state. It is a financial reimbursement to counties and tribes for community-based programming for child welfare and juvenile justice-involved youth and placement costs for youth involved in juvenile justice cases. The cost of these services is initially paid 100% by the county or tribe, and then eligible costs are reimbursed by the state. In this legislative session, MCYJ supports the Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force’s recommendation to enhance the Child Care Fund from the current reimbursement rate of 50% to 75% for community-based care, including pre-arrest diversion as a reimbursable expense and requiring the use of validated risk assessment tools to enable more objective decision making. These important policy changes would have a tremendous impact across the state. Enhancing the CCF establishes a minimum framework of juvenile justice best practices statewide. These research-based approaches would allow agencies to better match youth to appropriate supervision and services. The new reimbursement structure would effectively incentivize and support the creation, expansion, and strengthening of community-based services and formal alternatives to detention and incarceration, including diversion, which have been proven to be more cost-effective and yield better outcomes for justice-involved youth and their families. MCYJ will keep you updated as legislation for the proposed Child Care Fund changes is introduced and offer opportunities for you to support getting this important policy reform to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

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 juvenile court involvement, it is not the default option in every county. Youth with similar offenses may be offered diversion or traditional juvenile court process solely based on where they live. The use of screenings and assessments to determine risk levels, diversion eligibility, and inform treatment decisions are inconsistent across Michigan counties and non-existent in others. The lack of consistency in diversion processes and practices can lead to unequal treatment for youth, which disproportionately impacts youth of color, and is a missed opportunity to identify and address underlying issues before formal court supervision. Additionally, the Child Care Fund (CCF)—the primary statewide juvenile justice funding source—requires a court referral and the provision of intensive supervision, which makes it challenging for jurisdictions to fund and support pre-court or pre-arrest diversion programs. To address statewide issues with diversion, the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice reform approved several recommendations, including requiring a validated risk screening tool and a validated mental health screening tool to inform diversion and consent calendar decisions. The Task Force also recommends expanding the CCF so local courts and tribes can use funding as they see fit for pre-arrest diversion and eliminating “intensive” requirements so counties can match supervision/services to the youth’s risk level. Moreover, the Task Force suggests expanding the Diversion Act so that all offenses—except for the most serious ones—are eligible for pre-court diversion based on established local criteria and the use of a risk screening tool. MCYJ fully supports the Task Force recommendations and will advocate for them as legislative reforms this year. The legal system must be the option of last resort when responding to youthful misbehavior, and all communities should provide opportunities for young people to learn from their mistakes, repair harm to victims, and address needs with treatment and resources instead of punitive measures. Youth-serving systems must acknowledge adolescent development research and invest in front-end diversion. With the Task Force’s recommendations and legislative reforms, Michigan can become a leader in youth diversion and improve the overall well-being of its youth. To learn more about diversion, check out the Sentencing Project’s report: Diversion: A Hidden Key to Combating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Juvenile Justice.

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 justice facilities can have severe repercussions for youth, exposing them to heightened risks of violence, abuse, and neglect. Considering these potential harms, Michigan must persistently explore ways to refine the system and safeguard young people whenever it is necessary to place them within a facility. Expanding the role of the Office of Children's Ombudsman through House Bill 4638, a component of the extensive bill package implementing many of the recommendations from the Michigan Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force, is a significant step towards this goal. This legislation introduces crucial amendments to the Office of Children's Ombudsman. It proposes renaming the office as the Office of the Child Advocate and broadening the powers and duties of this role. It also details the responsibilities of various state departments, officers, county and private agencies, and residential facilities involved in juvenile justice services. In addition, the bill offers remedies for certain administrative acts, thereby addressing the systemic challenges head-on, fostering transparency and strong responsiveness to the needs and concerns of youth in facilities. Most notably, HB 4638 proposes that the Child Advocate be responsible for receiving and processing complaints, conducting investigations, holding informal hearings, and findings and recommendations. This includes educating the public and advocating for legislative changes that serve the best interests of children. The Office of the Child Advocate would hold the exclusive discretion and authority to decide whether a complaint falls within their jurisdiction to investigate and have the power to initiate investigations, even without a formal complaint. HB 4638 provides a remarkable opportunity for Michigan to substantially improve its juvenile justice system. By advancing this legislation and making it state law, we can prioritize the protection of youth rights and enhance the quality of care in juvenile justice facilities. MCYJ is committed to ensuring HB 4638 becomes law during the current legislative session, enabling more equitable and compassionate treatment of justice-involved youth.

By; Jason Smith, Executive Director at Michigan Center for Youth Justice Juvenile court debt reform has become a priority in Michigan and across the country, as the realization dawns that these fees are inconsistently imposed, fiscally ineffective, and disproportionately impact families of color. They also exacerbate poverty for indigent families. In Michigan, juvenile courts have the authority to charge various fees in delinquency proceedings, but these discretionary fees are inconsistently applied and collected, resulting in a troubling issue known as "justice by geography.” Mandatory assessments, such as detention and residential placement costs, can be waived but often aren't, leading to financial devastation for families. The debt may persist even after a child's release from supervision, impacting their transition to adulthood. Families struggling to pay debts face dire consequences, including tax refund intercepts, wage assignments, and even threats of eviction. Fines and fees not only strain parent-child relationships but also create obstacles for probation officers trying to build rapport with families. Parents may hesitate to seek help or report negative behaviors, fearing further financial repercussions. Moreover, these fees can exacerbate tensions between children and their families, with some parents shouldering the burden alone while others hold their children responsible for the financial strain. As more states or local communities either abolish juvenile fees or consider legislation to do so, Michigan's Juvenile Justice Reform Taskforce has taken a crucial step by unanimously voting to recommend eliminating most non-restitution fees and costs. MCYJ is committed to ensuring this recommendation becomes law during the current legislative session, pushing for a more equitable and compassionate juvenile justice system. To learn more about the issue of juvenile court debt in Michigan, please click here.

By: Jason Smith, Executive Director at Michigan Center for Youth Justice Quality legal representation is a fundamental right, particularly in the juvenile justice system, where the futures of young people hang in the balance. Regrettably, the indigent defense system in Michigan is letting justice-involved youth down, especially those from low-income families who can't afford a lawyer. The current system poses serious challenges that negatively impact the constitutional rights and welfare of young individuals. In Michigan, the juvenile defense system operates on a county-by-county basis, leading to disparities in legal representation quality depending on the county. This arrangement highlights the need for greater oversight and enforcement at the state level to guarantee that county-based juvenile defense delivery systems provide constitutionally mandated effective trial-level or post-disposition services. The absence of oversight means that young people don't receive equal and fair access to legal representation. Moreover, insufficient state funding for juvenile defense contributes to a cycle of under-resourced and undertrained attorneys at the local level, compromising constitutional rights and chances of success for young people. Alarmingly, very few juvenile court cases are appealed, obstructing the path to just and equitable outcomes. The juvenile defense system in Michigan depends on court-appointed attorneys to represent the best interests of the youth. However, the system mandates that young people and their families bear the costs for constitutionally required defense, creating obstacles to representation and potentially discouraging the appointment of counsel. This setup leads to inadequate access to counsel, which can result in the premature termination of representation or the emergence of conflicts of interest for attorneys. To address the deep, longstanding issues related to juvenile defense in Michigan, one of the key recommendations made by the Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force is to expand the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) to include the development, oversight, and compliance of youth defense standards in local county defense systems. Align and Develop Youth Representation Standards: The MIDC should align or develop new standards for representing youth in the juvenile justice system, including specialized training for juvenile defenders on trauma, youth development, and cultural considerations. Include Commissioners Knowledgeable About Indigent Youth Defense: The task force recommends adding commissioners with expertise in indigent youth defense to the MIDC to address the unique needs of these young people. Ensure Representation Throughout Proceedings: Youth should have legal representation at every stage of the proceedings, from the first stage of consent or formal proceedings until the case is terminated. Restrict Waiver of Counsel in Delinquency Cases: Restrictions should be implemented to require consultation with an attorney before a young person can waive their right to counsel in delinquency cases. Expand the State Appellate Defender Office: The task force advises expanding the State Appellate Defender Office to include appellate services for juveniles, ensuring access to legal resources throughout the entire process. Promote Training for Prosecutors: The creation and funding of a juvenile justice resource attorney position at the Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council (PACC) is encouraged to provide relevant training and resources for prosecutors. MCYJ anticipates new legislation this year to enhance juvenile defense, among other juvenile justice reform initiatives recommended by the task force. Strengthening Michigan's juvenile defense system is critical to safeguard the constitutional rights and welfare of young people. These reforms will help ensure that young people receive the necessary legal assistance and support throughout the juvenile justice process. To gain further insight, we recommend reading Overdue for Justice: An Assessment of Access to and Quality of Juvenile Defense Counsel in Michigan, from the Gault Center.