Spotlight on Juvenile Justice Alternatives

Since the ‘90s, Michigan has funneled thousands of youth under 18 into adult corrections following passage of harsh laws aimed to get tough on juvenile offenders. Today, it is one of only four states – along with Georgia, Texas and Wisconsin – that still allows 17-year-olds to be charged as adults instead of adjudicating them in the juvenile justice system. Despite best efforts, the Raise the Age package failed to pass in this legislative session. Efforts will continue next year with a new Governor and Legislature.

Read our Spotlight on how Juvenile Justice programs succeed.