Amended 10/14/04

JUDICIARY

September 30, 2004

Minutes

Members Present:         Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Dianne Holman, Calvin Lynch, Mark Grebner, Mary Stid, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Mike Botke, Letisha Heath, Nervy Oliver, Christine Timmon, Donna Rummel and Guillermo Lopez

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant at 7:04 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the September 8 and September 16, 2004 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. LYNCH, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 8 MINUTES AS AMENDED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. STID, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 16 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment

Ms. Timmon expressed her continuing concerns regarding the Child Care Fund.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

2.         Circuit Court – Family Division – Resolution Authorizing a Budget Amendment to the Circuit Court – Family Court Juvenile Division 2004 Budget

3.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2004 Ingham County Budget

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

1.         Special Guest – Mike Botke, Director, Lansing Teen Court

Mr. Botke played a video tape for the Committee which showed the Teen Court training process and a session of Teen Court.  Mr. Botke explained that the Prosecutor’s Office refers cases to Teen Court.  The Teen Court is a legal proceeding and is presided over by a Judge.  The purpose of the Court is to address the underlying causes of why a teen commits a civil infraction.  Once a teen completes his/her sentencing requirements, the infraction will be removed from the teen’s juvenile record.  However, if a teen is arrested for a minor in possession infraction, the incident will remain on their record with the Secretary of State’s Office.  If a teen chooses not to complete his/her sentence, the case will be referred back to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Capital Area United Way is the fiduciary of the Lansing Teen Court.  Cooley Law School students and volunteers assist in the operation of the Teen Court.  Teen Court offers juveniles an opportunity to become a part of the legal system by sitting on the Teen Court jury. 

Comm. Stid asked if data such as  recidivism is being tracked by the Teen Court.  Mr. Botke explained that the Court is working with resources to digest the data.  It is also working with the court system to track the youth.  Mr. Botke also stated community resources are used to address specific issues facing teens in the  Teen Court.  Assault victims attend the Teen Court to express how he/she was affected by the assault.  Issues of retail fraud are also addressed in the Court.

Mr. Botke stated the Lansing School District allows the Teen Court access to class rooms and teachers.  Teachers also attend Teen Court sessions when appropriate. 

Ms. Heath addressed the Committee regarding the Street Law Workshops program.  She explained that Street Law is practical, participatory education about law, democracy and human rights.  Through this Workshop, youth will learn to transform democratic ideals into citizen action.  Each student gains essential lessons that can be used for life.

Street Law encourages youth to become effective, law-abiding citizens by promoting civic responsibility and community participation.  Ms. Heath stated classes are held every Saturday at the Cooley Law School classroom building.  Classes are two hours in length.  Each participant will have the chance to earn up to two hours of community service during each workshop.   Some of the topics covered include crime and consequence, victims of crime, truancy, conflict & negotiation, laws and values and leadership development.  Respondents are required to attend each workshop session until their dispositional orders have been completed. 

Comm. Schafer asked if the program will be expanded into other schools.  Mr. Botke stated the goal is to branch out to other schools within this County.  The program is easily replicated and is inexpensive.  Comm. Schafer stated the Teen Court is a very powerful program that should be expanded.  Mr. Neilsen stated a federal grant was not approved which would have supplied the necessary funds to expand the program. 

In response to Comm. Grebner, Mr. Botke stated there are 18 Teen Courts in Michigan which follow a national Teen Court model.  The Street Law Workshop is also a national organization.  Teen Court is sanctioned by the National Youth Court Center.  Mr. Botke further stated there are approximately 1,000 Teen Courts located in 47 states.  Training, marketing and technical supplies are provided for by the National Youth Court Center. 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked Mr. Botke for his thoughts regarding over-night detention for youth.  Mr. Botke stated some dangerous youth do need to be locked up over night.  However, youth charged with retail fraud or retail fraud due to substance abuse should not be locked up.  Incarceration can actually lead to more problems for the youth.  In response to Comm. Schafer, Mr. Botke stated over-night lock up may be effective for youth who have committed retail fraud numerous times.  After the over-night detention, the youth should then be referred to the Teen Court. 

Mr. Lopez stated Teen Court is a very positive part of dealing with youth crime.  He then stated Mr. Botke and Ms. Heath have done a great job putting the program together in Lansing.  Expansion of the program is only a matter of time and money.  Mr. Lopez stated he hopes that people can work together to expand the Teen Court program. 

Ms. Timmon stated Teen Court is very interesting and useful.  It should have received  Juvenile Justice Millage funding.

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant expressed her appreciation to Mr. Botke and Ms. Heath for their presentations this evening.

Announcements

Comm. Stid informed the Committee that a BARJ Conference is scheduled for October 8, 2004 in East Lansing.  She encouraged interested Commissioners to attend this Conference.

Comm. Stid distributed copies of the Youth Center snapshot information she requested.  The information contained data regarding  previous admissions.  Personal  details in the snapshot should be omitted.  The information was returned to Comm. Stid.  Mr. Neilsen will prepare the information for public use.

In response to Comm. Stid, Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant reflected the Committee’s surprise that a youth was sentenced to 30 days in the Youth Center for lying to a teacher.  Comm. Stid did not know which judge sentenced the youth in this matter.  She then stated she will invite the Prosecutor, the Ingham County  Sheriff and Chief Alley to attend a meeting in the future to discuss the need for non-secure over-night detention.

Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that the Finance Committee approved the Controller’s Recommended Budget as approved by the liaison committees.  The two z list items from this Committee were also approved.

Public Comment

Ms. Timmon expressed her content with the Teen Court presentation.  She then spoke regarding her continued concerns relating to Juvenile Justice Millage expenditures.

The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff