Chief justice says juvenile justice bills make Michigan a 'stronger, safer state'

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement recently attended the signing of groundbreaking justice for kids and communities bill package in Detroit as part of the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, who chaired the Task Force, signed into law measures that will enhance community safety, improve outcomes for youths, reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and use resources more efficiently. The Task Force submitted these policy recommendations to legislators earlier this year, after analyzing Michigan’s juvenile justice system, identifying systemic gaps, and investigating solutions.

“I am so proud of what has been accomplished. The Task Force was formed in 2021 and one year later approved a comprehensive blueprint to set our state on track to being a national leader in juvenile justice reform,” said Clement.

 “Once implemented, these policies will help Michigan youths achieve their full potential and build a stronger, safer state for every family.”

Specifically, the bills will:

• Ensure Michigan’s youth justice system is evidence-based, data-driven, transparent, and focused on achieving positive outcomes for every child.

• Give courts tools to divert children away from the justice system and toward proven alternatives that put them back on the right track.

• Hold young people accountable for their behavior while promoting effective services to reduce recidivism and boost positive outcomes in familial relationships, education, health, and workforce participation.

In addition to serving on the Task Force, Clement co-chairs the Juvenile Justice Partnership Committee alongside Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which includes representatives from a broad cross-section of stakeholder groups and is charged with implementing these reforms over the next 18 to 24 months. The committee has organized various workgroups that will focus on Data & Quality Assurance, Training, and Policies and Procedures.

“We have made it this far, so fast, because we have worked as partners—not worrying about who gets the credit, but about who benefits from our efforts: Michigan youths and their families,” she said.

“Now we must maintain the momentum established by the Task Force as we work to implement these reforms.”