A group of comprehensive new bills which aim to keep youth out of the adult criminal justice system has been introduced to the Michigan state legislature. The Youth in Prison package, which has bi-partisan support, takes recommendations from the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency’s recent Youth Behind Bars report and includes multiple strategies to reduce youth involvement in the adult criminal justice system, including:
• Raise the age jurisdiction of the juvenile justice from 17 to 18 years

• Create financial incentives for counties to utilize community-based services for youth, instead of out-of-home placements
• Prohibit the placement of juveniles in adult prisons and providing age-appropriate care for youth
• Establish a family advisory board to develop strategies for youth to be more successful in prison and after release
These bills show careful consideration of the unique needs of juveniles and the harmful effects of involving youth in the adult criminal justice system. These improvements will lead to better outcomes for youth and for our society.
If Michigan approves the inclusion of 17 year olds in the juvenile system, Wisconsin will be one of only eight states that still treat 17 year olds as adults for criminal prosecution and the only state in the upper Midwest! If other states can do it, why not us?

By Karissa Propson