GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist signed a bipartisan package of bills on Tuesday aimed at reforming the state's juvenile justice system.
"We've worked to reduce people's contact with the system in the first place," Gilchrist said. "We've worked to make sure that if you are in contact with a system that you're actually treated like a human being, you have the full complement of your humanity during that experience."
"And most importantly, and it's worth reiterating, we want to position people for success when they are finished with that system and that system is finished with them, so that they are not tempted, they are not reentered into an environment that makes it easier for them to commit another crime than it does to do something that will put them on a path towards opportunity for dedication towards housing or towards success," Gilchrist said.
The governor was joined by reform advocates who spoke in support of the legislation.
"I have lived experience in the Michigan juvenile justice and child welfare system," said Pura Strong, the chairperson of the Michigan Juvenile Justice Advisory Council.
"I believe the critical work the state of Michigan has implemented through the current bills will certainly aid in improving Michigan's judicial system for young people and their families," Strong said.
According to the Lt. Governor's office, the package sought to implement "data-driven recommendations" brought forth by the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform that was created by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021.
The changes include lower fees for juvenile defendants, making sure courts consider more factors when deciding whether to try them as adults and allowing courts and law enforcement to use risk and mental health screening tools on juveniles not yet accused or charged to later determine whether they should be put in a diversion program instead of detention or court.
The reforms come as the Kent County prosecutor has said it's become an area of concern.
"We are definitely seeing an increase in juvenile crime, and there's definitely concerns that I have in terms of what's going on out there and what the juveniles are engaged in," Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker told 13 ON YOUR SIDE last week.
Other reforms focused on services to keep people out of the system, including allowing counties to use certain funds to support community services for juveniles to prevent future run-ins with the law.
"As prosecutors, rehabilitation must be our top priority for children in our criminal justice system," Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. "These new laws lean on smart investments, best practices and innovative tools to carry this goal forward."
"There's no problem we can't solve, there's no challenge we can't overcome, there's no mountain we can't climb," Gilchrist said. "And so this package is yet one manifestation of that and I can't wait to do more with all of you."
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.