Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a plan to relocate services for male juveniles from the Shawono Center in Grayling to a new facility in Macomb County. This move aims to better meet the treatment needs of the youths and enhance rehabilitation opportunities.

Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, stated, "While the decision to relocate the services provided by the Shawono Center was difficult, transferring to Macomb County will allow us to serve more youths and help them become healthy and productive citizens." She also expressed appreciation for the Shawono Center staff and promised efforts to find positions within MDHHS for those who wish to stay.

The transition is scheduled to start in January with completion expected by early summer. The current Shawono Center is a secure 40-bed facility built in the 1970s, which requires significant repairs. It currently houses 17 juveniles and employs around 40 people.

The new location at Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center will initially provide treatment services for 20 youths, with plans underway for an expansion that could accommodate up to 40 additional children. MDHHS will operate this section of the facility in partnership with Rite of Passage, which will aid in transitioning youth from Shawono. The facility will be named Michigan Youth Treatment Center (MYTC).

Andy McKinnon, Deputy County Executive at Macomb County Executive Office, said, "We look forward to our continued partnership with MDHHS to help advance youth justice practices and ensure that all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential."

MDHHS's juvenile justice reform efforts aim at increasing safety and well-being for youth placed in state residential facilities. Moving services to MYTC aligns policies with research-based practices including improved staffing levels, family participation in therapy sessions tailored to individual needs, and evidence-based mentoring programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

Furthermore, this relocation supports initiatives outlined in Michigan's Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda by enhancing safety protocols through partnerships like Building Bridges Initiative and implementing weekly safety reviews of group residential facilities.