In order to improve the juvenile residential facility system and better serve Michigan’s youth, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order creating an advisory committee. The Michigan Juvenile Residential Facilities Advisory Committee will be housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and will work across state government to implement evidence-based practices in areas of need, explore solutions to increase juvenile access to behavioral health beds, and ensure kids in the state’s juvenile justice system have the resources and opportunities to succeed. To read the full executive order, please click here.

The announcement builds on the work of the Michigan Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force, which recommended the creation of the advisory committee. Members will include the director of DHHS, the executive director of the Children’s Services Agency, or their designees, and a representative from the State Court Administrative Office. The committee will also include representatives from the juvenile justice community and residential facilities, prosecutors, defense attorneys, family court administrators, probate or circuit judges, local governments, tribal governments, mental health advocates, behavioral specialists, and individuals with lived experience in the juvenile justice residential system.

The committee will review licensing, staff training, length-of-stay, and case management standards and make recommendations to standardize guidelines and improve procedures throughout the state. The committee will promote evidence-based practices to treat and measure progress towards outcomes for youth in residential facilities and may develop recommendations to support a statewide strategic plan to increase juvenile access to behavioral health beds.

Individuals who meet the requirements of this committee and are interested in appointment can apply at www.michigan.gov/Whitmer/Appointments. Click “Apply Now” and select “Michigan Juvenile Residential Facilities Advisory Committee” when prompted in the application.

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