Juvenile Justice bills pass in Michigan House, Senate

LANSING, Mich. - Twenty bills aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in the state of Michigan have passed through both the State and House, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

These bills would enhance the state’s Child Care Fund and the overall goal of encouraging rehabilitation for juvenile offenders.

Such enhancements include:

Creating a framework of juvenile best practices across the state

Expanding the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to include the development and use of juvenile defense standards in individual county systems

Requiring the use of risk and mental health screening tools when making decisions

Expanding the Diversion Act so the least severe offenses are eligible for pre-court diversion so long as they follow certain criteria

Supporters hope the passing of these bills leads to better outcomes for young people in the juvenile system who are at risk of falling into a repeated offender cycle.

Click here to read more about the bills.