Michigan Center for Youth Justice

Michigan Center for Youth Justice Our vision is a fair and effective justice system for Michigan's children, youth and young adults.

We work to advance policies and practices that reduce confinement and support trauma-informed, racially equitable, socio-economically and culturally responsive, community-based solutions for Michigan’s justice-involved children, youth and young adults.

Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It's a time to celebrate freedom, be in community, and keep building a better future ...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It's a time to celebrate freedom, be in community, and keep building a better future for our kids.

Now that we are just over halfway through the year, it is a good time for a reflection on the progress that we made in 2...
06/18/2026

Now that we are just over halfway through the year, it is a good time for a reflection on the progress that we made in 2025, as we continue our impact this year and make our plans for 2027. Our 2025 annual report has been released, highlighting victories such as our fellowship program, community listening session series, statewide projects, and ongoing policy priorities.

Find a copy of our report under the Accomplishments tab on our website: https://www.miyouthjustice.org/accomplishments?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_7bvwn3benb

The Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative was established to promote public safety by increasing the success rates of pri...
06/18/2026

The Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative was established to promote public safety by increasing the success rates of prisoners transitioning from prison to the community. The MPRI's vision is that every prisoner released will have the tools needed to succeed in the community.

In 2005, MCCD began building local community capacity through targeted training and technical assistance to implement the MPRI Model. Our capacity-building efforts included:

- Assisting the MPRI sites in establishing local teams and hiring Community Coordinators;
- Acting as a troubleshooting and consultation resource for the MPRI sites;
- Providing training on evidence-based practices in community organizing, in-reach and case management, community outreach and service provision; and
- Guiding local and statewide stakeholders in effective public education and outreach.

MCYJ's 70th Anniversary Gala is happening this September, and we couldn't be more excited, especially now that we get to...
06/12/2026

MCYJ's 70th Anniversary Gala is happening this September, and we couldn't be more excited, especially now that we get to share that Justice Kim Thomas has kindly agreed to be the keynote speaker.

Justice Thomas is more than qualified when it comes to the topic of juvenile justice. She was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2024. Before joining the court, she was on the faculty of the University of Michigan Law School, and co-founder and director of the school's Juvenile Justice clinic. She also served on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, which made the recommendations that led to the 2023 Justice for Kids and Communities reforms.

Get tickets to our 70th Anniversary Gala here: https://paybee.io/in-person-event/mcyjgala/4?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_1bsigckpod

06/09/2026

State funding can make or break community programs designed to support families, education, kids, lower income groups, and all members of our communities. That's what makes the state budget so critical to policy decisions. But the budget process can be long and, for those not used to it, confusing. So how does it work? Hopefully this cat does a good job of explaining...

ICYMI, MCYJ Policy Director Jen Peacock wrote a blog explaining the three main types of out-of-home placements, or youth...
06/04/2026

ICYMI, MCYJ Policy Director Jen Peacock wrote a blog explaining the three main types of out-of-home placements, or youth beds, in Michigan.

In Michigan, children and youth may interact with several different systems that provide out-of-home care and treatment. The most commonly discussed are the child welfare, juvenile justice, and pediatric behavioral health systems. Though the systems have distinct purposes, they often overlap as a result of youth treatment needs or lack of residential capacity.

As conversations continue around this topic, it is important to clearly define what each system does, who it serves, and how strain in one system can affect the others.

Read it in full here: https://www.miyouthjustice.org/post/difference-in-out-of-home-care-options-michigan-kids?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_oqdfxtdeeq

Our summer intern has joined us! MCYJ is excited to have her as part of our team.Amanda is an undergraduate student at ...
06/03/2026

Our summer intern has joined us! MCYJ is excited to have her as part of our team.

Amanda is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan studying Sociology with a concentration in Law, Justice, and Social Change. She's an aspiring public interest attorney. Through her internship with MCYJ, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the juvenile defense landscape and explore policy-oriented solutions to criminalization.

If you are a public interest attorney or a lawyer who does work with the justice system and are willing to let Amanda shadow you, please reach out!

In 2001, MCCD convened a task force to develop a model for improving Michigan's defense services for citizens who cannot...
06/02/2026

In 2001, MCCD convened a task force to develop a model for improving Michigan's defense services for citizens who cannot afford counsel. From 2001 to 2007, the 50-person task force continued to educate the public and the legislature on the need for reform. In 2007, this reform effort gained the attention of the Atlantic Philanthropies, a foundation interested in promoting public defense system reform. Funding from Atlantic led to the formation of the Michigan Campaign for Justice.

Join us on Sept. 25 for our 70th anniversary gala. Tickets on sale now on our website.

In Michigan, children and youth may interact with several different systems that provide out-of-home care and treatment....
05/29/2026

In Michigan, children and youth may interact with several different systems that provide out-of-home care and treatment. The most commonly discussed are the child welfare, juvenile justice, and pediatric behavioral health systems.

These systems are distinct, but they often overlap in practice. As conversations continue around residential capacity, or youth beds, in Michigan, it is important to clearly define what each system does, who it serves, and how strain in one system can affect the others.

In her latest blog, MCYJ Policy Director Jen Peacock walks us through the differences and the overlapping challenges the systems face in Michigan. Read it in full here: https://www.miyouthjustice.org/post/difference-in-out-of-home-care-options-michigan-kids?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_qjffxyfben

Address

3810 Packard Road , Suite 200A
Ann Arbor, MI
48108

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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