Opinion | A milestone for juvenile justice reform in Michigan

In recent years, Michigan has done the hard, intentional work of shifting its approach to juvenile justice. As leaders in our court, we have presided over cases that impact the lives of children, youth, and young adults. On Oct. 1, the transformative Justice for Kids and Communities legislative package went into effect — with it, a new era of juvenile justice reform. 

The Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force informed the legislation, which entailed 32 recommendations to improve our system. At the core of these reforms is prioritizing community-based care, shifting to evidence-informed practices, and creating consistency for our youth across a decentralized system. We have an opportunity to prioritize localized services and ensure we are deflecting low-risk youth away from the juvenile justice system.  

In Eaton County, there has been strong support for creating therapeutic and academic-oriented environments for our youth. The Day Treatment program provides robust services designed with their long-term success in mind. These young people receive intensive rehabilitative services while remaining with their families and within our community. Youth have access to a comprehensive range of treatment options, including individual and family therapy, grief support, academic assistance, and substance use counseling. The recently reformed Child Care Fund enables local jurisdictions to invest in alternatives to detention and programs like day treatment, allowing young people to stay home whenever possible.

In Wayne County, a collaboration of system stakeholders is underway to champion these reforms and set our youth up for success. With technical assistance from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Wayne County Probation Transformation team is working to reimagine how probation officers engage with young people in Wayne County to center developmentally appropriate responses. In addition, Wayne County is implementing a court-led diversion program that seeks to hold youth accountable without legal sanctions or the threat of confinement. The diversion program will empower grass-roots, community-based organizations rooted in neighborhoods where the youth reside, fostering lasting positive connections.

While we celebrate these advancements and acknowledge the long road to effective implementation, we must remain vigilant in improving our system. We must ensure that every young person, regardless of background, is treated fairly and with dignity. Continued investment in mental health services, education, and workforce development for those in the juvenile justice system is essential. We all have a responsibility to welcome youth back into our communities upon their successful completion of treatment.

We commend the efforts of lawmakers, advocates, and community members who have worked tirelessly to bring about these reforms. We are encouraged by the progress we have seen and remain committed to advocating for a juvenile justice system that recognizes the potential in every young person. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and ensure our justice system reflects the values of fairness, rehabilitation, and hope.