By: Jason Smith, Executive Director
October marks Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), a time when advocates nationwide raise awareness and inspire action for young people impacted by the justice system. This year, YJAM holds special significance here in Michigan, as October 1 marks the implementation of transformative juvenile justice reforms introduced through the Justice for Youth and Communities bill package, signed into law in December 2023. These reforms not only reflect a legislative shift but also represent a crucial step toward a more equitable and effective system that will impact youth and their families for generations to come.
For too long, Michigan’s juvenile justice system has been fragmented and inconsistent, often with dire consequences for our most vulnerable young people—especially youth of color, who have been disproportionately affected. Inconsistencies across the state have led to unequal treatment, with some youth slipping through the cracks and others facing unnecessary and punitive measures. The new reforms offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close these gaps and ensure that all youth, regardless of where they live, receive the care, support, and justice they deserve.
One of the most crucial changes brought by these reforms is the transformation of the Child Care Fund (CCF), Michigan’s primary state funding source for juvenile justice. The CCF will now support a broader range of community-based services, providing local communities with the resources to offer evidence-based treatment options that keep youth connected to their families and communities, where they can thrive.
Consider a teenager involved in escalating conflicts with their parents or guardians—situations that in the past may have resulted in charges of domestic violence and placement in detention. Under the old system, the focus was on punishment rather than understanding and addressing these underlying family dynamics. Now, with these reforms, services like respite care and shelter support will provide safe, nurturing environments, allowing youth to remain close to home while their families receive the help they need. This approach reduces the trauma and stigma associated with detention, fostering healing and growth instead.
Furthermore, the CCF can now be directed toward services for youth involved in pre-arrest diversion programs, offering early therapeutic interventions that help keep young people out of the formal justice system while still holding them accountable for their actions in a constructive way. By prioritizing diversion and community-based services, the CCF seeks to address problems before they escalate, reducing the chances of future interactions with the justice system. This approach promotes positive youth development by providing support, guidance, and accountability, helping young people make meaningful life changes.
The reforms also eliminate the fines and fees that have placed an unjust financial burden on low-income families. These penalties have often trapped young people in a cycle of justice system involvement, as their families struggled to pay and faced further legal consequences. Removing these financial barriers is a vital step toward ensuring that all youth are treated fairly, regardless of their economic background.
Additionally, the reforms require the use of validated risk and needs assessments, which when appropriately adopted and utilized can ensure that decisions about a young person’s future are guided by objective data and evidence rather than subjective judgment that can lead to poor outcomes and drive racial disparities for youth of color.
To bring this vision to life, every local court and community in Michigan needs to embrace these reforms fully. Many are already leading the way, aligning their policies with the changes and demonstrating how we can better serve our youth. Expanding partnerships with community-based providers will be critical in building a robust network of services to meet the diverse needs of Michigan’s young people. This movement has garnered broad support from a coalition of stakeholders—state and local leaders, community advocates, service providers, and most importantly, the youth and families impacted by the system—whose voices have been instrumental in shaping a more equitable and humane approach.
As we look to the future, it’s important to remember that these changes are not just about policy—they’re about transforming lives. We have the opportunity to create a juvenile justice system that truly serves all of Michigan’s youth, providing them with the support they need to reach their full potential. This is our moment to make a difference that will resonate for generations to come. Let’s seize it, for the future of our state and every young person who calls it home.
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