rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/kids-deserve-counsel-support-juvenile-defense?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-kids-deserve-counsel-support-juvenile-defense' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Michigan Center for Youth Justice https://actionnetwork.org/groups/michigan-center-for-youth-justice https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg Dear Senator, As a concerned citizen, I urge you to support House Bill 4630. This legislation seeks to amend the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act, building upon the remarkable progress achieved through the Justice for Kids and Communities package. Among its crucial components, House Bill 4630 aims to extend indigent defense services to youth. Unfortunately, despite unanimous support from the Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force, this bill did not advance out of the Michigan State Senate. House Bill 4630 is a top priority for advocates and community members. I am particularly encouraged by the following provisions: - Commitment to Youth Representation: The bill ensures that indigent youth, regardless of race or background, have access to legal representation that meets constitutional standards from their initial court appearance. This is a critical advancement in safeguarding their rights and ensuring equitable treatment. - Enhanced Standards and Oversight: The bill empowers the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) to develop and enforce standards for juvenile defense, promoting consistency and fairness in legal representation across the state. Supporting this bill will make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. The Michigan State Senate has the opportunity to prevent wrongful adjudications, reduce recidivism, and promote the rehabilitation of our most vulnerable youth. Please call for a vote on House Bill 4630 and vote to ensure juvenile defense services for children, youth, and families. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/kids-deserve-counsel-support-juvenile-defense