Hey Michigan – Raise the Age Legislation was Just Signed into Law!

Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency shares that the Governor just signed Raise the Age legislation.

Learn more by viewing MICCD’s & Raise the Age’s posts below:

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer just signed legislation increasing the jurisdiction of juvenile court to age 18!

We are celebrating this monumental milestone in justice reform for Michigan youth! By increasing the age of juvenile court jurisdiction, 17-year-olds will no longer be automatically treated as adults for every offense. More children, youth and young adults will be able to get age-appropriate treatment that involves their families, which will, in turn, increase their chances for success. These changes will help reduce crime, recidivism, and taxpayer costs. It is a huge win.

The new legislation also:Requires youth under age 18 in adult jails to be housed separately from adults; Prohibits transportation of youth and adults in the same vehicle; Gives greater discretion to judges and prosecutors; Provides funding for community-based treatment and services; and Requires parental notification at the time of arrest.

We know that with the proper guidance and support, young people have an incredible capacity for rehabilitation and change. Not to mention, about two-thirds of 17-year-olds who are convicted as adults in Michigan have committed nonviolent offenses.

This is a huge victory that will keep thousands of Michigan’s youth out of the adult justice system!

And, our work here is not done. The legislation allows for some youth under age 18 to still be in housed in jail or prison with adults. MCCD won’t stop until there are no Michigan kids incarcerated with adults.

Passing Raise the Age was neither fast nor easy – in fact, the law will not take effect until October 1, 2021 – but it has certainly been worthwhile. And, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Thank you again for being part of this incredible effort to improve the lives of Michigan’s young people!

In gratitude,

Mary King Executive Director, MICCD

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RAISE THE AGE POST:

Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation increasing the jurisdiction of juvenile court to age 18!

This is a huge victory in our efforts to reform the justice system in a way that better protects our youth. You all helped to Raise the Age!

If you haven’t done so already, please take time to thank the governor, and then please allow us to thank you:

Because of your efforts, and the governor’s recent signature, 17-year-olds will be able to participate in age-appropriate treatment and their parents will be notified at the time of arrest. Equally important, the legislation provides funding to juvenile courts to implement the policy change, and prohibits the overwhelming majority of 17-year-olds from being held in adult facilities. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2021.

This also takes Michigan off the notorious short list of states with antiquated laws that allow 17-year-olds to be automatically treated as adults for any offense.

That means that all of you who fought to make this happen–the legislature, coalition partners and supporters–have helped provide for the future success of Michigan’s youth and their families.

Today is a day of gratitude and celebration, in honor of this momentous juvenile justice reform.

Raise The Age just became law.