The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice

What's Next for MCYJ

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:10:20 GMT

On this episode you will get an update on current projects at the Michigan Center for Youth Justice, along with what's next for future projects. You will hear from Jen Peacock, Policy Director, about current legislation that is being considered or recently passed that will impact juvenile justice in Michigan. Lastly, you will hear from Denita Dorsey, Outreach & Advocacy Manager, who will give details on the upcoming Voices of Justice youth fellowship program that will welcome its second cohort in October 2025.

To keep up to date on all projects, news, and events, sign up for the MCYJ newsletter at miyouthjustice.org.

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Voices of Justice Youth Fellowship Recap

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 22:25:48 GMT

On this episode of The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice, we will be speaking with a young person who was part of the first cohort of the MCYJ Voices of Justice Youth Fellowship program. We will be talking about how the fellowship started, what opportunities it provided for youth, and the details of the final community projects the youth completed.

The application for the next cohort will open soon! If you are interested or know a young person who would be a great addition to the program, visit the MCYJ website for more information.

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Girls in the JJ System (with Dr. Jodi Peterson!)

Fri, 16 May 2025 18:53:29 GMT

In this episode of The Table, Macayla and Katie explore the unique challenges facing girls in the juvenile justice system with special guest Dr. Jodi Peterson, professor at Michigan State University and head of Peterson Research Consultants. While girls make up a growing share of juvenile arrests, their offenses are often nonviolent, and many enter the system due to experiences of trauma, abuse, poverty, and systemic bias—especially girls of color and LGBTQIA+ youth.

Dr. Peterson discusses how the juvenile justice system was historically designed with boys in mind, leading to programs and assessments that often fail to address girls’ needs. The conversation highlights the importance of gender-responsive, trauma-informed programming and the need for improved data collection that reflects the diversity of youth in the system. Tailored approaches that consider gender identity, race, and sexual orientation are key to improving outcomes and ensuring more equitable treatment.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of topics that could be triggering to some. Listener discretion is advised.

Listen to this insightful conversation today at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Related resources:

Read the OJJDP study

Learn more about Dr. Peterson's work

Learn more about our work

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Juvenile Life Without Parole in Michigan (with Jose Burgos from Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:25:31 GMT

Welcome back to The Table! In this month's episode, Katie and Macayla are diving into a critical and timely issue: Juvenile Life Without Parole (JLWOP) in Michigan. We’re joined by Jose Burgos from the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth to unpack the historical context of JLWOP, the racial disparities that define its use, and the status of the pending legislation in Michigan.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of rape and homicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Tune in to learn more about the fight to end juvenile life without parole in Michigan—and how you can be part of the change. Listen today at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Related resources:

Learn more about the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth

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Diving into Workforce Development for Youth (with Neutral Zone's Lori Roddy and a Special Guest!)

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:16:44 GMT

How can workforce development programs create brighter futures for at-risk and justice-involved youth? In this episode of The Table, we explore the power of youth-driven career pathways with Lori Roddy, Executive Director of Neutral Zone, and a special young adult guest who has participated in one of their programs.

Neutral Zone, a youth-focused nonprofit in Ann Arbor, provides creative spaces, mentorship, and workforce training through programs like Future Corps, a 10-year transitional initiative designed to help young people successfully navigate adulthood. We also discuss how Michigan’s expanded Child Care Fund can support programs like these, ensuring more young people have access to career opportunities and community-based support.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Related resources:

Learn more about Neutral Zone

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Second Chances: Navigating Youth Re-Entry in Michigan (with Dr. Paul Elam from the Michigan Public Health Institute!)

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:40:18 GMT

In this episode of The Table, we dive into the challenges and opportunities surrounding youth re-entry in Michigan. How do young people transition back into their communities after time in a detention or residential facility? What support systems are in place to help them succeed?

Joining us is Dr. Paul Elam from the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) to discuss their Juvenile Re-Entry Program. Tune in as we unpack the importance of wraparound services, the role of community-based care, and how recent juvenile justice reforms in Michigan are shaping the future of youth re-entry. Plus, hear Dr. Elam’s insights on what more needs to be done to ensure every young person has a fair chance at a fresh start.

Listen now at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

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The Table Returns for Season 4!

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:25:10 GMT

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new season of The Table! This season, Macayla and Katie will dive even further into conversations surrounding juvenile justice efforts, and the inspiring advocates behind them. Topics range from hearing a powerful success story from a workforce development program alum to learning what makes an effective re-entry program for justice-impacted youth and more! Each episode will offer a new perspective on ways we can support our young people across the state.

We invite you to listen to our premiere episode, as Macayla and Katie reflect on the topics discussed during Season 3 of The Table. Later in the episode, listeners will hear from Jen Peacock, MCYJ’s Policy Director, and Denita Dorsey, MCYJ’s Outreach and Advocacy Manager, as they give exciting updates about current projects at MCYJ.

Listen now at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

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A Very Special Juvenile Justice Episode

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:28:56 GMT

We’ve got a very special episode of The Table that you don’t want to miss! This month, Macayla and Katie offer an exclusive update on what’s in store for MCYJ in the coming months. Plus, we’re thrilled to have Denita Dorsey, Outreach and Advocacy Manager, joining us to offer a dive deep into our first Voices of Youth Justice fellowship program. Listen now at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Visit our website to learn more about our work

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The Importance of Youth Advocacy (Season 3 Finale with Michael D. Davis-Thomas!)

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:50:40 GMT

Join Macayla and Katie for the season 3 finale of The Table, as they delve into the intersection between the juvenile justice and child welfare systems with Michael D. Davis-Thomas, a youth advocate, student, and speaker. Listen to the insightful and powerful discussion now at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

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The Child Care Fund: Positive Impacts for Juvenile Justice (Part 2 with Nicole Faulds!)

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:08:09 GMT

Join Macayla and Katie for the finale of a special two-part episode of The Table, as they continue to explore how recent changes to the Child Care Fund will benefit different counties in Michigan. This month, the duo hears from Nicole Faulds of Macomb Co., as she discusses how the additional funding from the CCF is pivotal in expanding youth programs. Listen at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Other Resources:

Reach out to Macayla and Katie: mjones@miyouthjustice.org & kmartin@miyouthjustice.org

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The Child Care Fund: Positive Impacts for Juvenile Justice (Part 1 with Thom Lattig)

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:00:21 GMT

Join Macayla and Katie for part one of a brand new episode of The Table, where they explore changes to the Child Care Fund that are set to take place in Michigan, with Thom Lattig, Ottawa County juvenile court director. Listen at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Other Resources:

Find out more about our work

Reach out to Macayla and Katie: mjones@miyouthjustice.org & kmartin@miyouthjustice.org

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Breaking Down Fines & Fees (with Ray Durham from National Center for Youth Law)

Wed, 22 May 2024 15:51:18 GMT

We're excited to bring you a brand new episode of The Table, where Macayla and Katie discuss the historical background of juvenile court fines and fees with Ray Durham, from the National Center for Youth Law. The trio examines how Michigan's recent movement to eliminate the majority of fines and fees will benefit youth and their families. Listen at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Other Resources:

Learn more about the National Center for Youth Law

Learn more about Ray

Find out more about our work

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What is Restorative Justice (with Belinda Dulin from Dispute Resolution Center!)

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:30:30 GMT

We're excited to bring you a new episode of The Table, where Macayla and Katie explore the power of restorative justice in transforming the lives of young people and communities with Belinda Dulin, executive director of the Dispute Resolution Center. Listen at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Other Resources:

Learn more about the Dispute Resolution Center

Learn more and buy tickets for our gala, Advocacy in Action!

Find out more about our work

Reach out to Macayla and Katie: mjones@miyouthjustice.org & kmartin@miyouthjustice.org

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JJ & Policymaking for Youth (with Michigan State Sen. Stephanie Chang & Rep. Kara Hope!)

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:39:54 GMT

We encourage you to listen to a new episode of The Table, as Macayla and Katie discuss why it's important for youth to have a seat at the table in regards to juvenile justice, with special guests Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang and Michigan State Representative Kara Hope. MCYJ Outreach and Advocacy Manager Denita Dorsey also stops by to share the importance of creating an additional set of core values specific to youth engagement. Listen at www.miyouthjustice.org/thetable or wherever you find your podcasts!

Other Resources:

Learn more about Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang

Learn more about Michigan State Representative Kara Hope

Learn more about Denita Dorsey, MCYJ Outreach and Advocacy Manager

Learn more and buy tickets for our gala, Advocacy in Action!

Find out more about our work

Reach out to Macayla and Katie: mjones@miyouthjustice.org & kmartin@miyouthjustice.org

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Youth Justice in Our Schools (with Maria Degillo from Communities United)

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:57:46 GMT

Macayla Jones and Katie Martin are excited to return for episode 2 of "The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice!" This episode, Macayla and Katie are joined by special guest Maria Degillo from Communities United as they discuss school issues, solutions and programs that can be adopted by school districts across the nation.

Other Resources:

Learn more about Communities United

Learn more about MCYJ

Reach out to Macayla and Katie: mjones@miyouthjustice.org & kmartin@miyouthjustice.org

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We're Back with a Legislative Update (with MCYJ Policy Director Jen Peacock!)

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 17:24:49 GMT

"The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice" is back for another season, with new hosts Macayla Jones and Katie Martin! To kick off season 3, Macayla and Katie will introduce themselves and recap what MCYJ has been up to this past year. This episode also features special guest MCYJ Policy Director Jennifer Peacock, as she reflects on how the historic juvenile justice bill package that was recently signed into law will affect Michigan moving forward.

Other Resources:

Implementation of Justice for Kids and Communities

Changes to Michigan juvenile justice system signed into law (Detroit Free Press)

Michigan Enacts Laws to Reform Its Juvenile Justice System

Reach out to Macayla and Katie: mjones@miyouthjustice.org, kmartin@miyouthjustice.org

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Recap, Legislative Updates, and More Conversations!

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 17:42:24 GMT

To close out the second season of “The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice,” Husain Haidri summarizes this season’s episodes and shares some outtakes from past interviews. But first, Jennifer Peacock shares major legislative updates!

Other resources:

Take action towards youth justice!

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7. Why Juvenile Justice

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 09:30:00 GMT

On this month’s episode of “The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice,” Macayla Jones joins the show to share conversations with Judge Karen Braxton of Wayne County and Jason Smith, MCYJ’s Executive Director. They talk about how they arrived at careers in juvenile justice, interesting stories from their personal and professional past, and more!

Other resources:

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6. When Youth are Charged as Adults

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:30:11 GMT

On this month’s episode of “The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice,” Husain Haidri talks to Joshua Pease, Director of the Youth Defense Project at the State Appellate Defender Office. Josh shares some updates about SADO, expansions to its mission, and funding it hopes to secure this year. Husain then asks him about what it means for a minor to be charged as an adult, why it happens, and the process. Josh then breaks down the Juvenile Justice Task Force’s proposed amendments to the waiver process.

Other resources:

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5. Diverting Youth from the Juvenile Justice System

Wed, 17 May 2023 09:30:44 GMT

On this month’s episode of “The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice,” Husain talks to Josh Rovner from the Sentencing Project about diverting youth from the juvenile justice system. They talk about the merits of diversion practices, and Husain discusses MCYJ’s efforts to promote diversion across the state. For more information:

Reach out to Husain: hhaidri@miyouthjustice.org

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4. The Reality of Legislative Advocacy (with MCYJ Policy Director Jen Peacock!)

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 09:00:35 GMT

On this month's episode of "The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice,” Husain Haidri interviews MCYJ Policy Director Jennifer Peacock. In their conversation, Jen talks about her personal background and how she ended up at MCYJ. Husain asks about what legislative advocacy looks like, and Jen shares some interesting anecdotes.

Additional Information:

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3. Juvenile Justice at the Local Level

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:05:49 GMT

This month, Husain talks to Thom Lattig about youth justice at the local level. After a deep-dive on the Child Care Fund, they talk about how proposed shifts to the funding model may transform the system for the better.

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2. Juvenile Public Defense in Michigan

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:00:55 GMT

Husain Haidri discusses the origins of juvenile public defense, describes what a public defender is and does, addresses some of the objections to the public defender system, and offers some solutions to serious problems in the system. At the end of the episode, there's also an update on juvenile life without parole in Michigan.

1. 2023 Legislative Landscape & the Role of Fear in Policy-Making

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 10:00:50 GMT

To start season 2, Husain lays out the legislative landscape for youth justice policies in 2023 and talks about the role and effect of fear in policy-making.

Contact me: Husain Haidri, hhaidri@miyouthjustice.org

External References

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8. Task Force Recommendations with Justice Elizabeth Clement (Season Finale!)

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 04:00:04 GMT

For the season finale, Husain breaks down the long-awaited recommendations from the Governor’s Task Force on Juvenile Justice. He talks about the Task Force’s approach, what they ultimately recommended, and how these recommendations will be implemented. At the end of the show, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement joins the show to discuss which recommendations are most important to her, the role of the judiciary more broadly, and what she hopes advocates will pick up on in the future.

Task Force Recommendations

Michigan Supreme Court (YouTube)

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

National Juvenile Defender Center report on Michigan

Inquiries: hhaidri@miyouthjustice.org

Music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

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Special Announcement!

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 04:01:23 GMT

Tune in for a special announcement!

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7. Raise the Floor

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 04:01:25 GMT

This month, Husain and Gabi discuss raising Michigan's minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction, where Michigan stands domestically and internationally, and the adultification of black youth.

Intro and outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

Sources:

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6. Raise the Age

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:01:04 GMT

This month, Husain and Gabi talk about how Michigan raised their age of juvenile jurisdiction from 17 to 18 years old, what that means for kids, and how the courts adapted to it. Raise the Age was a major win for Michigan and MCYJ is proud to have helped advocate for this change!

Intro and Outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

For more information on Raise the Age, click below:

Upper Age of Jurisdiction.

YOUTH BEHIND BARS

Raise the Age: Protecting Kids and Enhancing Public Safety in Michigan

Mid-Michigan counties adjust to Raise the Age legislation

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5. Juvenile Life Without Parole: Where are we now?

Sun, 01 May 2022 05:00:53 GMT

In this month's episode, we continue the conversation about juvenile life without parole. With two very special guests, this episode is a first for us! Dan Korobkin of the ACLU-MI and Senator Jeff Irwin join us to talk about JLWOP in Michigan. Dan walks us through the case of Hill v. Snyder, which challenged JLWOP in Michigan; then, Sen. Irwin talks to us about a set of bills he and his colleagues introduced to eliminate the use of JLWOP sentences in Michigan.

Intro and Outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

ACLU Michigan - Juvenile Life Without Parole

Sen. Jeff Irwin

Senators Introduce Legislation to End Juvenile Life Without Parole

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4. Supreme Court Cases that made Juvenile Life Without Parole

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 05:00:00 GMT

In this month's episode, Gabi and Husain discuss juvenile life without parole, or JLWOP. JLWOP is a sentence of life imprisonment imposed on youth, essentially deeming them unfit to ever return to society. This simply isn't true, and this episode highlights why. Listen to hear how childhood upbringing, societal impacts, and brain development all play into criminal activity, how the United States Supreme Court worked their way through the cases of six individuals, deciding at nearly every turn that JLWOP constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, and how it can still be used today.

Intro and Outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

Helpline Numbers:

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 1-800-622-4357
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255

For more information on the cases discussed today, click below:

Roper v. Simmons | Oyez

Roper v. Simmons :: 543 US 551 (2005)

Roper v. Simmons

The Abused Childhood Of Christopher Simmons English Literature Essay.

Too Immature for the Death Penalty? - The New York Times

Graham v. Florida | Oyez

Graham v. Florida :: 560 US 48 (2010)

Miller v. Alabama | Oyez

Miller v. Alabama :: 567 US 460 (2012)

Montgomery v. Louisiana | Oyez

Montgomery v. Louisiana :: 577 US ___ (2016)

Jones v. Mississippi | Oyez

Jones v. Mississippi :: 593 US ___ (2021)

Book link: Sentencing Juveniles to Life in Prison, Justice Denied

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3. COVID-19 Impact on Youth Justice

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 06:00:00 GMT

This week on The Table we're going to be talking about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on youth in the justice system. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Michigan Center for Youth Justice has put out two reports (linked below) detailing the changes in the youth justice system due to COVID-19. This episode covers the initial changes made as a result of the pandemic, as well as what those changes look like after some time. We discuss the positive changes made and pose some questions for thought regarding public safety and the use of incarceration for youth.

To learn more about MCYJ and our work, visit miyouthjustice.org. To donate to support our work, go to miyouthjustice.org/donate.

Intro and Outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

Risk/Needs Assessment 101: Science Reveals New Tools to Manage Offenders

Michigan Trial Courts Virtual Courtroom Standards and Guidelines

COVID-19 in the Michigan Youth Justice System: An Early Impact Analysis

COVID-19 In The Michigan Youth Justice System: Crisis, Response, and Opportunity

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2. Debt-Free Justice

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 07:00:00 GMT

Youth who are involved in the justice system encounter many consequences, such as probation or out-of-home placement. One aspect of juvenile court involvement that can last well beyond childhood is the financial burden of juvenile court debt. Listen today to learn more about debt-free justice and how you can help!

Intro and Outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

Minors Facing Major Debt: The Immense Burden of Court Fees on Macomb County Youth and Families

Publications: Report on the Economic Well-Being of US Households (SHED)

The High Cost of "Justice": A Snapshot of Juvenile Court Fines and Fees in Michigan

2015–16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study

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1. Intro to Juvenile Justice

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 06:00:00 GMT

The juvenile or youth justice system can seem very convoluted and confusing, especially to those with little experience with it. In this episode, I'm going to cover the basics of juvenile justice and lay the groundwork for the podcast moving forward.

Intro and Outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

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Trailer: The Table

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:40:04 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Table: Conversations on Youth Justice, a podcast that talks about youth justice in Michigan, and occasionally, nationwide. This podcast is sponsored by the Michigan Center for Youth Justice; a nonprofit organization fighting for a fair and effective justice system for kids. New episodes of The Table will be released on the first of the month. Each episode may be a bit different than the last, as we discuss current issues, reports, and maybe even host a guest here and there. The Table can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe. If you'd like to donate to support our work, please go to miyouthjustice.org/donate.

Intro and Outro music is Wasted Education by Blue Topaz.

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