Kids in Crisis: A special report

The measures — signed into law Thursday — take aim at reforming the state's juvenile justice system and correcting some of the critiques against it.

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.

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.

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.