To bolster the michigan indigent defense commission's (midc) expansion to establish juvenile justice standards and trainings, the applicant will create a statewide youth defender trial simulation…

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC), a U.S. state government entity, has received a $649,327 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention under the Indigent Defense grant program (CFDA 16.836). The funding will establish a statewide youth defender trial simulation program in Michigan from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026. This multiyear training program aims to prepare local juvenile defense systems to meet MIDC standards by employing qualified and trained attorneys, as well as build partnerships and develop best practices among Michigan's youth defense community. The program involves three phases: identifying gaps in trial-level youth defender quality and experience, developing curricula and training materials, and implementing trainings available statewide. Additionally, the MIDC has sought sub-awards from the Michigan Department of State Police to administer similar trial simulation programs to ensure that indigent accused receive effective assistance of counsel through a tiered system matching attorney experience levels with case assignments.

To bolster the michigan indigent defense commission's (midc) expansion to establish juvenile justice standards and trainings, the applicant will create a statewide youth defender trial simulation program that will offer mock trial and specialized immersive learning experiences for the state youth defense attorneys. This will serve two goals: (1) prepare local juvenile defense systems for meeting midc standards by employing qualified and trained attorneys; and (2) build partnerships and develop best practices among michigans youth defense community. This multiyear training program led by the midc will be available to attorneys statewide and will work in three phases: (1) identification and assessment of gaps in trial-level youth defender quality and experience, (2) curricula and material development, and (3) training implementation.