From the September 19, 2016 Coopersville Observer article by Mary Kuhlman, MI News Connection.

Young people in Michigan and other states can be pulled deeper into the juvenile justice system because of excessive court related costs. According to a report from the Juvenile Law Center, fees and fines in Michigan include the cost of tests and evaluations, rehabilitation and court operation. These are costs that many families, especially those living in poverty, can’t afford. This may increase recidivism and keep a young person from getting on the right track.

The report recommends that, by establishing better models for funding court systems, states eliminate costs, fines and fees on youth. It also recommends policies of restitution that consider rehabilitation while addressing a victim’s needs.