Raising the Age, Cleaning the Slate with Jason Smith

We discuss several headlines related to litigation in the child welfare space, including two states exiting class-action lawsuits after decades and a new legal center aimed at fighting removals into foster care. Also: MacKenzie Scott drops unrestricted grants on youth organizations, and a great new visualization tool on racial and ethnic disproportionality in foster care. 

Jason Smith, executive director of the MIchigan Center for Youth Justice, joins to discuss how Michigan’s recent reforms of its juvenile justice system, and what’s changed since the 2020 death of Cornelius Fredericks. 

Reading Room

Agreement Reached on New Jersey Plan to Exit Decades-Old Child Welfare Lawsuit
https://bit.ly/3JM2Gfg

Federal Court Approves End to Child Welfare Lawsuit in Connecticut, Citing Dramatic Improvements for Children and Families
https://bit.ly/36sQhPc

South Carolina Short Term Action Plan
https://bit.ly/3DdnJVM

New Civil Rights Organization Dedicated to Families’ Rights Launches in New York City
https://bit.ly/356ToLZ

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott Supports Child Welfare, Youth Justice Organizations
https://bit.ly/3NejTAi

Disproportionality Rates for Children of Color in Foster Care Dashboard (2010-2020)
https://bit.ly/3JMDZ2f

Michigan Raises the Age, Includes 17-Year-Olds in Juvenile Justice System
https://bit.ly/3JJPCad

Michigan Raise The Age Law on Track to Pass, Leaving Three States with Juvenile Age Under 18
https://bit.ly/36NsWHB