Elizabeth Brewer | Traverse City Record-Eagle
Reporter | Traverse City Record-Eagle-
Those in favor say juvenile offenders should have a chance at "rehabilitation, reintegration, and redemption." But prosecuting attorneys from around the state, including some in northern Michigan, have concerns. -
Practically every seat was full as the Health Department of Northwest Michigan congregated for its monthly board meeting.
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Next week, the board will try again to complete a regularly scheduled meeting. On the agenda is a discussion about how the board will review and proceed with new grants – but long standing acrimony is still a concern for residents.
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Legislation was introduced in both the state House and Senate that would abolish life without parole for juveniles under 19 years old — aligning Michigan with the nearly decade-old national precedent.
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The new contract model comes in the wake of a statewide demand for juvenile justice reform.
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Juveniles can sometimes be lodged in emergency rooms for weeks awaiting placement in a dedicated mental health facility.
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Cole Williams never thought he would be an advocate for the juvenile justice system, until his son was arrested by the Grand Rapids Police Department 12 years ago.
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Michigan recently raised the age at which someone can be tried in adult court from 17 to 18. Suddenly the state needed a place to put 17-year-olds, who were now considered juvenile offenders. "It wasn't really planned for," one court administrator said.
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Young people in the juvenile justice system who need long-term mental health care often find there are not enough resources to handle them. That can leave children and families feeling confused and alone.
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The committee called out a lack of policy, data collection and funding incentives that could keep kids from entering the court system.
