The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan
09/26/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Executive Order 2024-6: Juvenile Residential Facilities Advisory Committee
Michigan is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of youth in the juvenile justice system. In June 2021, with Executive Order 2021-6, I launched the Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force and directed it to assess our juvenile justice system and recommend proven practices and strategies for reform. The Task Force was chaired by Lt. Governor Gilchrist and reflected a partnership between county and state leaders, the courts, juvenile justice advocates, and experts. After a year of diligent work, the Task Force issued its final report and recommendations on July 22, 2022.
One of the Task Force's primary objectives was to make recommendations for safely reducing juvenile placements in detention and residential facilities. In its final report, the Task Force concluded that Michigan has inadequate state laws, court rules, and funding incentives to guide the use of residential placements. As a result, the quality of services and case management received by youth in residential placements differs significantly by county, wardship, and facility.
With this context in mind, the Task Force unanimously recommended the establishment of a statewide residential advisory committee to support the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The efforts of this advisory committee would build upon the success of the Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force to recommend quality assurance and improvement processes for residential facilities statewide.
To fulfill this purpose, I created the Juvenile Residential Facilities Advisory Committee through Executive Order 2022-14, and ordered that it dissolve on October 1, 2024, unless I otherwise directed. To best fulfill its purpose and provide the most effective reform for the system that services some of our most vulnerable youth, the Committee has indicated that it needs additional time, beyond October 1st of 2024, to complete its important work.
Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor.
Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 obligates the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following:
1. Charge to the Committee
a) The lifespan of the Juvenile Residential Facilities Advisory Committee, as set forth in Section 2(c) of Executive Order 2022-14, shall be extended to June 30, 2025, or such other time as the governor directs.
2. Implementation
a) This order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the great seal of the State of Michigan.
Click to view the full PDF of the executive order.