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Youth Justice in Western Wayne County

When a kid in Wayne County gets for the analysis and implementation
in trouble, what happens? The West- of new reform requirements in
ern Wayne Care Management Organ- Wayne County. Furthermore, repre-
ization (WWCMO) provides case sentatives from Wayne County and
management services for adjudi- Growth Works were invited by the
cated clients from the 17 communi- Annie E. Casey Foundation to partic- group programming and individual
ties in Western Wayne County. The ipate in mapping out the current sys- wraparound approaches executed by
Third Judicial Circuit Court – Fam- tem and preparing for future both staff and those with lived expe-
ily Division can recommend Level 1 transformation of juvenile probation rience in the youth justice system of
(community-based probation serv- that clients are complying with their and diversions services within care. Growth Works remains com-
ice) for youth ages 10-17 and Level 2 court ordered requirements while Wayne County. mitted to continuing these efforts to
(out-of-home residential placement) promoting public safety as well as Growth Works is also involved in serve clients and families within our
for ages 13-17. We meet clients their own personal growth and suc- other community efforts to improve communities in the most effective
where they are at, with most of the cess. the youth justice system. The agency and meaningful way possible.
case management taking place at On October 1, 2024, legislative has provided trainings for local po- These services play a crucial role
school, at home, our in their respec- changes took effect regarding youth lice officers regarding trauma ap- in ensuring safety and fostering a
tive treatment programs, promoting justice reform efforts in the State of proaches when engaging youth and sense of security throughout Western
services and support within their Michigan. Since changes in legisla- importance of building trusting rela- Wayne County, even for those who
community. Case Management itself tion took effect, Growth Works has tionships. The Youth Advisory Coun- may never directly engage with our
is individualized to meet the client’s been involved in opportunities that cil serves to provide program. For individuals involved
needs, address the root cause of can help improve the system. Proba- recommendations to the board and with the Western Wayne Care Man-
their issues, and help guide them to- tion services will continue to shift staff based on their own experiences agement Organization, we are confi-
wards success. When a youth en- from punitive approaches to ones in the Juvenile Justice System. This dent that these services offer both
gages with Growth Works, we utilizing incentives, replacing compli- includes building a framework for support and a pathway to hope.
become responsible for their super- ance with coaching and focusing on utilizing Credible Messenger prac- Without the Care Management Sys-
vision and care. Our kids can partic- individualized treatment to achieve tices to use their own lived experi- tem, adjudicated youth would rely
ipate in a variety of treatment desired outcomes. In early 2024, ences to help support youths who on state intervention, missing the
services including physical fitness, Growth Works was asked to join the are currently in the system. In addi- vital community support and net-
equestrian, mentoring, and many Wayne County Probation Implemen- tion, we have started violence preven- work of providers that currently ad-
more prosocial activities. We ensure tation Team; this team is responsible tion services that combine both dress the unique needs of each child.

8 · May 2025 · The Wayne Dispatch