Vision:

A fair and effective justice system for Michigan's children, youth and young adults.

Mission:

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.

In 2020, we worked to:

Reduce youth justice involvement;
Promote the use of diversion;
Assure equal access to justice in the courts;
Expand community-based services for justice-involved youth;
Improve safety in juvenile residential/detention facilities; and
Increase youth record confidentiality and engagement.

Core Values:

Community and Connection: Youth deserve to remain connected to their families and communities, even if they become justice system-involved. They should be recognized for their strengths and value, not just for their mistakes.
Effectiveness: We are results-driven and work with integrity. We can be counted on to deliver fair, equitable justice reform for Michigan’s children, youth and young adults.
Equity: All youth are treated in a fair and just manner by the youth justice system, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Inclusion: People who are impacted by a problem should be at the center of our advocacy. We believe in creating a big tent. Nonpartisanship and divergent perspectives create better solutions.
Possibility: Every problem has a solution if we work together, think outside the box, and are willing to try new things.
Restoration: The youth justice system should be restorative and rehabilitative. Kids who get in trouble are still kids.