Action Teams

Interested in joining an Action Team?

Please email your name, contact information and Action Team preference to [email protected]

Action Team 1: Unique Purpose of the Juvenile Court

Preserving and advancing the unique purpose and functions of the juvenile court is a high priority for Michigan's juvenile justice leaders. Both are needed in the future to ensure Michigan's juvenile justice system is able to provide rehabilitative and restorative services to help juveniles succeed while holding them accountable and protecting the public.

Previous Accomplishments

  • Completed the Core Tenets Briefing Book
  • Identified and worked with juvenile justice friendly legislators
  • Monitored and influenced legislative issues in collaboration with other organizations

2017-2018 Priority Projects

  • Procure funding to maintain and grow the JJV20/20 website as a resource to educate juvenile justice professionals, the public and other interested stakeholders about the juvenile courts and juvenile justice in general.
  • Create a video or public service announcement that reflects the positive work of the juvenile justice system and/or highlights juvenile justice youth successes.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop positive juvenile justice public policy legislation.
  • Write a comprehensive book on juvenile justice to be used as a textbook or a teaching tool.

Action Team 2: Effective Outcomes for Juveniles, Families, and Communities

Juvenile courts across the state are committed to achieving effective outcomes for juveniles, families, and communities.  Achieving effective outcomes, in part, is the ultimate quality measure of juvenile services.  Achieving effective outcomes is dependent on many factors.  They include:

  1. Having a continuum of services available to meet the complex needs of juveniles and families.
  2. Using a holistic and individualized approach to assessing and treating juveniles and families.
  3. Involving families and caretakers.
  4. Assessing risks and using other tools to make decisions and hold juveniles accountable.
  5. Using evidence-based practices and other research findings to treat juveniles.
  6. Collecting and analyzing data and measuring outcomes.
  7. Collaborating effectively with other justice system and community partners.

Previous Accomplishments

  • Completed and distributed JJV 20/20's guidebook:  "Michigan Juvenile Offender Risk Assessment Survey Report"
  • Completed training on Risk Assessment for Michigan Referees Association
  • Provided informal consultation to jurisdictions regarding risk assessment selection and implementation

2017-2018 Priority Projects

  • Build common/shared performance measures that mirror desired and effective outcomes; explore options for measuring performance.
  • Update the risk/needs assessment survey.
  • Complete and analyze the results of a compendium of services in communities reflecting programs, interventions, and treatment approaches that are brokered/rendered by the juvenile courts and the stakeholders in Michigan.

Action Team 3: Juvenile Court Operational Performance

The juvenile justice system also will be strengthened if juvenile courts speak with one voice about needs and priorities, increase consistency and uniformity across courts and countries, collect and use operational data to improve performance and effectiveness, and demonstrate the prudent use of resources and outcomes achieved.  Technological improvement, more systems coordination, and more community collaboration also are needed to enhance performance.

Previous Accomplishments

  • Secured grant funding through the State Justice Institute and the Bureau of Justice Assistance to work on a Multi-Jurisdictional Juvenile Justice Data Sharing Project.  This project leverages national resources and a partnership with the state of Ohio to work with 5 pilot sites and implement a juvenile justice data sharing model.

2017-2018 Priority Projects

  • Secure funding for the expansion of the Juvenile Justice Data Information Sharing project.
  • Explore the expansion of the Data Information Sharing project into additional courts.
  • Update the Juvenile Justice Data Dictionary to include risk/needs assessment data.

Action Team 4: Adequate and Sustainable Funding

The juvenile justice system needs adequate and sustainable funding and resources to be able to administer fair and equal justice, provide individualized , comprehensive, and effective programs for delinquent youth, and ensure accountability that builds safe, resilient communities.  Assuring the efficient and effective use of resources, implementing cost saving measures, securing adequate and sustainable funding are a high priority in the future.  Juvenile justice leaders are committed to developing innovative and effective ways to better use existing funds and securing future funding to provide needed services, ultimately strengthening the juvenile justice system throughout the state.

Previous Accomplishments

  • Worked with Department of Health and Human Services groups on Child Care Fund Reengineering
  • Completed a Funding Briefing Book
  • Advocated for the In-Home Care Incentive, which supported the $1M for rural counties to develop community-based services

2017-2018 Priority Projects

  • Advocate for stable and consistent funding policies.
  • Advocate and support legislative changes to codify the intent of the original laws around the Child Care Fund.
  • Revise/update the JJV20/20 Funding document posted on the website to reflect recent changes.

Action Team 5: Strong Juvenile Justice Workforce

The success of Michigan's juvenile justice system is dependent in part on the strength of its workforce and the quality of the work environment.  A competent, motivated, and satisfied workforce and supportive work environment are essential for ensuring excellent court performance and achieving effective outcomes.  Thus, strengthening the workforce and work environment are a high priority.

Previous Accomplishments

  • Completed a training needs assessment and professional development position paper
  • Developed a training curriculum and prioritized state agenda
  • Hosted statewide training conferences each June and October at Grand Valley State University since 2013

2017-2018 Priority Projects

  • Actively support a well-trained juvenile justice workforce by offering opportunities for mentorship, talent development and career/professional development and training in critical areas that address the needs of youth and families and/or the juvenile justice system.
  • Measure targeted areas of training and obtain future training ideas through the use of a training feedback form completed by participants/attendees.


Page last modified June 13, 2018