Recommendations from Michigan’s Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force include expanding diversion programs, funding community-based alternatives to incarceration, creating a statewide juvenile public defense system, and expanding data collection to identify racial disparities. The report seeking to reduce the re-offender rate among juveniles was released this week. State Senator Sylvia Santana tells us the goal is to keep young people in the juvenile justice from entering the adult system when they’re old enough.
“I think whatever we can do as a legislative body to make sure that we are putting in the necessary tools and supports to redirect that behavior, but also redirect them towards a path forward, versus a proverbial cycle of being part of the criminal justice system.”
Santana adds investing in youth while they are young will save Michigan money in the long run. One study shows keeping just one child from dropping out of school, using drugs and entering the system can save more than $1.5 million.
