Four out of 10 children in Detroit have a parent who is behind bars. Statistics also show that children with incarcerated parents are seven times more likely to go to prison instead of college.

Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) is pushing to reinstate “good time” credits for inmates in the Michigan prison system.

PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Monday, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office announced it is now vaccinating incarcerated individuals at Washtenaw County Jail against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Due to their close quarters, those within the jail are susceptible to outbreaks and have the potential to become “community spreaders”, officials said. In a statement, Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton highlighted steps WCSO and its partners have taken during the pandemic to reduce the risk of spreading the virus within the jail. Those entering the jail can receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. WCSO also has an online tracking COVID-19 data within Washtenaw County Jail.

One bill focuses on keeping those with minor violations, such as failure to appear in court, out of jail by eliminating mandatory minimum sentencing in certain cases. The repercussions for failing to appear are a heavy burden for many, said Sen. Sylvia Santana, who sponsored the legislation. The Legislature has heard for two years from jail officials and others involved in criminal justice about inefficiencies and shortcomings. The legislation would require a court to promptly notify the state health department when a juvenile is taken into custody for violating certain court orders. Courts would be required to hold a hearing to determine whether a juvenile violated a court order and where to place the juvenile.