MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a moving speech Friday, Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Dan Michael addressed a room packed with people who work with troubled kids and teens in our community.
It’s the first ever State of the Court.
In the last few years, the Shelby County Juvenile Court has done a complete overhaul by making changes in how children are processed through the system.
So far Michael said the changes seem to be for the best.
“Five years ago we transferred 250 children to stand trial as adults. Last year we transferred 48,” he announced.
IN 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice released a report saying the court discriminated against black children.
The Department of Justice got involved after former Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks asked for help from federal investigators.
“I think if hadn’t been for her, things would still been the same. At the end of the day it’s all about making sure we do right by the citizens of Memphis especially our children,” Michael said.
“The problem was a system that was built 55 years ago that hadn’t changed in 55 years. Society changed, the system didn’t,” he added.
But Michael and the staff got to work to make things better, saying children are now being detained for only serious crimes.
Despite what she calls great gains for the court, Shelby County Schools Board member Stephanie Love said she`s concerned that some issues haven`t been addressed.
One of them being child support.
“Research shows when a child has both mother and father in their life, they are less likely to be involved in the juvenile system,” she said.