Michigan Center for Youth Justice

Join us next month virtually or in person for our annual Cards and Community event, where we’ll be writing holiday cards for young people spending the holiday season in detention or residential facilities—a small act that makes a big difference. Mark your calendars and help us spread the warmth of the season! RSVP today at https://lnkd.in/g-t8zhhy

Stay informed about the latest developments in youth justice reform! Sign up for our monthly newsletter and receive updates on critical issues, upcoming events, and opportunities to take action. Together, we can create a brighter future for youth in Michigan. Join our mission at https://lnkd.in/gn_At6UH!

Join us this year if you can! We welcome asynchronous virtual participation for those who want to write cards but can't join us in-person!

Mistakes shouldn’t define a young person’s future. With the right support systems, they can move past challenges and thrive as healthy adults. Jason Smith's story is proof that guidance and resources can make all the difference. Let’s invest in our youth and their potential. Support the cause and watch all of our podcasts with host Bilal Al-Raed on our website: https://lnkd.in/gnU9m_6z

We're thrilled to shine the spotlight on Pura Strong, a relatively new addition to our board of directors. Pura has worked tirelessly to advocate for youth in our community, using her experience as a community leader to push for meaningful change. From supporting restorative justice practices to amplifying youth voices, Pura's commitment to equity and justice is inspiring. Thank you, Pura, for your unwavering dedication to creating a brighter future for Michigan’s youth! Hear more from Pura at https://lnkd.in/g8ARHSFu!

For far too long, families have been burdened with excessive fees tied to the juvenile justice system—fees that are not restitution for victims, but costs for mandatory programs and facilities they had no choice in selecting. Imagine a parent owing $100,000 for their child’s court-ordered placement, with no way to say ‘no’ or seek alternatives. Thanks to reforms passed last December, most of these fees have been eliminated, bringing long-overdue relief to families across our state. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s more work to be done to ensure fairness and justice for all. Let’s keep pushing for change that uplifts communities and empowers families. See the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gZJXBfrT Good job as always to our host Bilal Al-Raed for the amazing interview with Jason Smith from the Michigan Center for Youth Justice.

We are incredibly proud of our Policy Director, Jennifer P., and will continue advocating for a more fair and equitable justice system for Michigan's young people and their families. #YouthJustice #Michigan

We invite you to read a thoughtful op-ed co-authored by Judge Karen Braxton of Wayne County and Judge Amanda Pollard of Eaton County. Both judges discuss the transformative impact of the Justice for Kids and Communities legislative package, which went into effect on October 1, 2024. The op-ed dives into key aspects of Michigan's juvenile justice reforms and the work being done in Eaton and Wayne counties to prioritize rehabilitation and community-based care for youth. Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/dfcfc9S4

We are honored to have our Executive Director, Jason Smith, featured on the Season 2 premiere of The Delta Project Nonprofit podcast. We invite you to tune into their captivating conversation at the link below. This is an episode you do not want to miss! #YouthJustice #Reform #Michigan

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for Redefining Accountability! It was a powerful conversation with local restorative justice practitioners, a national expert, and young adults sharing their stories. If you missed it, don’t worry! You can watch the full event on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/gW_yjW3Q Let’s continue redefining accountability together! Belinda Dulin Christine Gilman Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth