MT. CLEMENS, Mich. (Jan. 24, 2025) — Today, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services announced their intentions to close the Shawono Center in Grayling, Michigan, and relocate the youth offenders to the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. In response to this announcement, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) issued the following statement:
“Every young Michigander, no matter their background, deserves to have the support and resources they need to build a healthy, productive life. For years, the Shawono Center has provided youth offenders in our state with treatment and opened pathways to opportunity. However, as the facility has faced mounting challenges in recent years, the department’s decision is in the best interest of everyone involved. At the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center, youth offenders will have access to a wider range of services, more staff members, and greater access to family visitation — all items that are essential in setting them up for successful reentry into the community.
“I want to thank Macomb County for stepping up, working with the state, and taking a leadership role in this space. I look forward to collaborating with the department and local leaders as we take an all-hands approach to building a fairer, more responsive criminal justice system.”
Serving as Chair for both the Senate Health Policy Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military, Veterans, State Police, Sen. Hertel understands the interconnected nature of policies involving the criminal justice system and health policy and has worked to ensure communities in District 12 are best positioned to protect the health and safety of residents of all ages. This work includes securing $40 million in the 2024 State Budget for the Macomb County Jail to construct a new central intake and mental health unit to provide better mental and physical health outcomes for those who come in contact with the criminal justice system.