Michigan Center for Youth Justice

10/13/2026

MCYJ is partnering with the National Resource Center for the Transformation of Youth Justice to run a series of training workshops.

The second one, “Dual Status Youth: Achieving Replicable Success for Youth Involved in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice” will guide professionals and system stakeholders in best practices of multi-system coordination, strategies for multi-disciplinary teams, and what communities can do to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population of youths.

Dual status youth are youth who come into contact with both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Participants will explore research on dual status youth, best practices for care, collaborative case planning, and opportunities to intervene.

This training will be on Monday, Oct. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Register now for free: https://bit.ly/DualStatusYouthTraining?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_1q3cjwnslz

10/12/2026

Thank you for inviting us to be part of this moment!

Michigan's youth must have legal counsel when accused of a serious crime. Can you believe that I had to fight hard for a law to protect the constitutional rights of children to receive legal representation? This new law requires that youth involved in the justice system get an attorney regardless of their ability to pay. My guests at the bill signing were Nathan Triplett of the State Bar of Michigan and Jason Smith of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. Thank you, Gov. Whitmer, for signing this into law.

10/12/2026

Our work is rooted in justice, which means not only acknowledging the racial disparities and biases baked into the justice system, but actively working to address and dismantle those disparities.

We would be remiss to engage in justice work without recognizing the history of the land in which we dwell.

MCYJ is based in Ann Arbor, on what is traditionally Anishinaabe, Fox, Peoria, Potawatomi, and Wyandot land.

To learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day and ways you can engage, you can check out the Zinn Education Project: https://www.zinnedproject.org/campaigns/abolish-columbus-day/resources/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_utkhvammrx
You can also visit one of the cultural centers in Michigan to learn more, such as the Ziibiwing Center for Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways, Nokomi Cultural Heritage Center, and Potawatomi Heritage Center.

Another way to engage is to read Indigenous writers. Find recommendations through the First Nations Development Institute's campaign. https://www.firstnations.org/nativereads?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_00slloeljn

10/08/2026

Books are a powerful tool when it comes to youth justice. Education about the realities of the justice system, exposure to different perspectives, and understanding the experiences that some of these youth may endure are critical for fostering an informed, compassionate, and justice-minded community. We need to listen to the voices of youth and justice-impacted folks, and reading books by and about them is one way to do that.

The Ypsilanti District Library has put together a display for YJAM in their youth section with relevant books you can check out and resources to explore.

Go visit the display in person to borrow one of the books and learn more about this topic!

10/06/2026

Support MCYJ's work this Youth Justice Action Month, and look good while you're at it.

This month, our goal is to raise funds that will directly support establishing our own youth advisory council and other initiatives. Just for the month of YJAM, we are making our T-shirts available at a discount.

During the month of October, you can:
👕 Make a one-time donation of at least $45 and receive a MCYJ T-Shirt or Crop Top! This year's shirts feature new graphics and slogans.
👕 Make a one-time donation of $25 and receive a Kids Who Get In Trouble Are Still Kids T-Shirt from the previous run of shirts.
👕 Commit to a Monthly Donation of $5 or more, or increase your Monthly Donation by $5 or more, and you will receive a new MCYJ T-Shirt or Crop Top and an additional Kids Who Get In Trouble Are Still Kids T-Shirt.

Donate here: http://www.miyouthjustice.org/donate?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_v5knp6ct8m

10/05/2026

October is Youth Justice Action Month. This year we are focusing on "Building a Future Where Youth Thrive.” In Michigan, we've made great strides when it comes to juvenile justice, including the 2023 Justice for Kids and Communities reforms and the juvenile defense bill passed just this year. The first step in change is acknowledgement of the issue, so MCYJ is glad to see Gov. Whitmer acknowledge Youth Justice Action Month in this proclamation as we all work for a better future for Michigan's children.

10/02/2026

Signs that a young person is struggling are often visible at school, making schools a critical place to identify needs, connect students with support, and intervene before challenges escalate.

With tight budgets and competing priorities, schools cannot always fully meet the needs of their large student populations. To truly transform the role schools can play in a child’s life, we would need significant investment in staff, services, school-family partnerships, and community resources.

Read the full post on what we think justice can look like in the school system here/at the link in our bio: https://www.miyouthjustice.org/post/let-s-reimagine-what-justice-looks-like-in-schools?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_d7foq7olcp

10/01/2026

Kids who get in trouble are still kids. Youth Justice Action Month is honored each October to shine a light on the ongoing need for change. This year's theme is "Building a Future Where All Youth Thrive."

If we want to build a just and lasting future for the next generations, we need to ensure that kids who get in trouble have the opportunity for rehabilitation and a chance at a promising life.

09/30/2026

Catch up on the MCYJ latest in our September newsletter. This month, we talk about justice in schools, a new committee appointment, upcoming work in Saginaw, recap our 70th anniversary gala, and more. You can read the new edition on our website, or subscribe to get our monthly updates sent straight to your inbox.

09/22/2026

Our 70th Anniversary gala is next week. Thank you to everyone who has already supported us in this endeavor, including our seven amazing sponsors.

Every inch of progress we've managed to win over the past 70 years was never done alone, but achieved in partnership with fellow advocates, lawmakers, community members, organizations, and supporters.

Thank you for believing in our vision of a fair and effective justice system!