Episode 15: Jason Smith on 'Raise the Age' and Redefining Juvenile Justice in Michigan

In this powerful episode of "What I Know Now," hosts Bilal and Cole delve deep into the world of juvenile justice with their esteemed guest, Jason Smith, the Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. With compelling insights from Bilal's own journey from high school dropout to youth advocate, we explore the critical intersections of personal transformation and systemic reform. Key Highlights: Youth Empowerment: Discover Bilal's stance on the importance of allowing young people to make mistakes and learn, emphasizing supportive community reintegration for youth returning from the adult justice system. Impactful Research: Uncover the findings of the "Youth Behind Bars" study, revealing the staggering statistic that 95% of minors in the adult system are there solely because they were 17, fueling advocacy for preventing youth from entering adult courts. Reformative Advocacy: Learn about the Michigan Center for Youth Justice's robust efforts to influence policy changes, educate the public, and drive legislative reform to support at-risk youth. Educational Initiatives: Host Cole Williams shares experiences from the classroom, using MCYJ’s publications to equip detained youths with knowledge about systemic issues and reforms. Diversion Programs: Bilal discusses the effectiveness of robust youth diversion strategies, highlighting therapy, substance abuse treatment, family engagement, and community-based programs as key to reducing reliance on the justice system. Role of Representation: Both hosts stress the importance of visible, positive role models and the need for young people to see success as an achievable goal. Bilal shares his own transformative story and ongoing mentorship with "at-risk" youth. Raise the Age Campaign: Understand the national movement to increase juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 to 18, which has been a significant part of Michigan's legislative reforms aimed at juvenile justice. Empowering Youth Voices: Hear about the statewide fellowship to empower young people involved with the justice system to become advocates and gain transferable skills for policy roles, creating a curriculum with MCYJ staff that covers juvenile justice, policy advocacy, and media engagement. Family Engagement: Explore the importance of respectful, effective engagement with families in the juvenile justice system, contrasting with the adult system. Financial Burdens and Reforms: Gain insights into the successful advocacy for eliminating juvenile court fines and fees, lifting financial burdens from families, and driving equitable reform across the justice system. Breaking Down Barriers: Join us in raw conversations that break down barriers and foster change in perceptions and policies related to juvenile justice, inspired by personal stories and expert insights. Tune in to be inspired by the dedication and passion driving juvenile justice reform, and learn how the Michigan Center for Youth Justice is making a transformative impact on young lives. Follow "What I Know Now" on all podcast platforms and visit the Delta Project’s website for more advocacy insights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of youth advocacy, systemic change, and personal redemption.