Snyder creates Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

LANSING, MI--Gov. Rick Snyder announced the merger of two commissions that worked on juvenile justice issues, creating the combined Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, an advisory board to be held within the Michigan Department of Human Services. Snyder issued Executive Order 2012-1, which establishes the 15-member committee to advise on juvenile justice issues and guide effective implementation of juvenile justice policies and programs. Previously, the 30-member Michigan Commission on Juvenile Justice and the nine-member Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Advisory both provided guidance to the governor. The new, smaller joint commission will provide better focus on issues and be more likely to meet quorum requirements. The membership of the new committee will also contain judges, members active within the community and law enforcement personnel. Prevention of juvenile delinquency will play a significant role in the committee's advisory function. "The promotion of stronger families, healthier youth and safer communities in our state is of utmost importance," said Snyder. "With the merger of the two commissions and the appointments of these new committee members with such vast and pertinent experience, I am confident these changes will help produce effective and comprehensive strategies to address the issues of, and help reduce and prevent juvenile delinquency." Members appointed to the revised committee include: Judge Dorene Allen, of Midland, is chief probate judge for Midland County and oversees the Midland County Juvenile Care Center. She will represent representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies. Melissa Baldwin, of Ionia, currently works at Meijer and graduated from Ionia High School where she received the school's Youth Achievement Award. She will represent persons who have been, or are currently, involved in a juvenile justice program. John Broad, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is president and CEO of Crime Stoppers of Michigan, the crime fighting organization that works to empower citizens to make their neighborhoods through the anonymous reporting of crime. Broad will represent persons with special experience and competence in addressing problems related to school violence and vandalism and alternatives to suspension and expulsion. Barbara Donaldson, of Traverse City, is chief probation officer for the Grand Traverse County Family Division of the 13th Circuit Court. Previously, she served as community service work coordinator and criminal justice alternatives probation caseworker for the 13th Circuit Court. She will represent representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies. Lawrence "Larry" Emig, of Reed City, serves as county commissioner for Osceola County and is vice chairperson of the board. He also works for the Michigan Department of Human Services in Osceola County as the Strong Family/Safe Children coordinator. Emig will represent locally elected officials in general purpose local government. Jeffrey Fink, of Kalamazoo, is the Kalamazoo County prosecuting attorney and has 14 years of practice in family court, which includes juvenile delinquency and child abuse cases. Fink will represent representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies. Sandra Metcalf, of Grand Haven, is director of juvenile services for the 20th Circuit Court's Family Division. She will represent representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies. Amanda "Amy" Good, of Detroit, is chief executive officer of Alternatives for Girls, a private non-profit agency that provides safe shelter, educational support, vocational guidance and counseling for more than 900 homeless and high-risk girls and young women each year. Good will represent representatives of private non-profit organizations. Kari Kusmierz, of Orleans, is captain and commander of the training division for the Michigan State Police, where she oversees recruiting, selection and training of recruits as well as all other training academy operations. She will represent representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies. Larissa Niec, of Mount Pleasant, is a licensed clinical child psychologist, director of the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Clinic and Research Lab at Central Michigan University and a psychology professor at Central Michigan University. Niec will represent persons with special experience and competence in addressing problems related to learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, child abuse and neglect, and youth violence. Ed Roth, of Sterling Heights, leads The Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University and is responsible for managing a portfolio of K-12 public charter schools. Roth will represent representatives of public agencies concerned with delinquency prevention or treatment. Brandon Shire, of Midland, is studying criminal justice and law enforcement at Delta College. He will represent persons who have been, or are currently, involved in a juvenile justice program. Kenyatta Stephens, of Farmington Hills, is chief operating officer of Black Family Development, Inc., a private non-profit comprehensive family-counseling agency that was created in 1978 by the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers. She will represent volunteers who work with delinquents or potential delinquents. Richard Wood, of Brighton, is founder and executive director of Midcourse Correction Challenge Camps, Inc., and brings more than 40 years of experience working with at-risk youth. Wood will represent youth workers involved with programs that are alternatives to incarceration, including programs providing organized recreation activities. One committee vacancy exists that will represent members who have been or are currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system and under the age of 24 at the time of appointment. Appointees will serve three-year terms that expire Dec. 31, 2014, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Published: Mon, Feb 27, 2012