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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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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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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.