LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan is set to undergo a transformative shift in its approach to justice, focusing on solutions rather than penalties. On Tuesday morning, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law two pivotal bills, House Bills 4522 and 4524, signaling a significant expansion of treatment courts across the state.
Lansing judge a vocal supporter of the legislation.
One of the key advocates of this legislative move is Judge Donald Allen of the Ingham County 55th District Court, who expressed enthusiasm about the positive impact these changes would bring to families.
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The new laws pave the way for the establishment of Family Treatment Courts which are designed to provide crucial resources to eligible families within the court system. These resources include vital support for mental health and addiction services, addressing a spectrum of challenges faced by families entangled in the legal system.
Ingham County already hosts a successful Family Treatment Court, and has demonstrated the viability and effectiveness of this approach. Program participants and advocates highlight that the primary goal is to preserve families and prioritize the well-being of children.
Addiction and other issues can be dealt with in a better way than incarceration of the offender.
Importantly, these courts extend their services beyond families affected by addiction, encompassing any families grappling with preventable issues within the legal system.
A crucial component of the legislative reforms involves granting local circuit courts the authority to establish their own Family Treatment Courts.
Child and Family Charities, an organization deeply engaged with both courts and families, explains the significance of broadening resource accessibility. Andrea Calabrese, the COO of Child and Family Charities, told WILX-TV, “It really does matter, and it affects our families, and we’re really supportive of these specialty courts. We’re really looking at people, and we’re offering solutions rather than punitive measures.”
Families are able to stay together.
The beneficial outcomes for children when families stay together, she explains, are achieved with the inclusion of parenting classes, therapy, essential support services, and other vital elements within these treatment courts.
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Advocates for this process say the collaboration between community services and the court system is a fundamental pillar of the approach, enhancing the ability to address problems comprehensively.
Upon signing these bills, Governor Whitmer acknowledged the importance of connecting families in crisis with the necessary resources for improvement. She said, “With these commonsense, bipartisan bills, we’re establishing a family treatment court and creating a path to programs that tackle substance use disorder, protect children, and expand access to mental health resources. Let’s keep working together to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
