'One Judge, One Family': Celebrating 20 Years of Michigan's Family Division

By Stacy Sellek, MSC Public Information Office

“The family court concept was an idea whose time had come.”

Trial Court Services/Pillar Technology Joint Research Effort to Understand Court Information Needs

By Gretchen McNeely, User Experience Strategist, Pillar Technology

A moose head mounted on the wall, an ancient dumbwaiter, and an adorable collection of stuffed bears were just a few of the many surprises that awaited Pillar Technology and the TCS analyst team as they launched an ethnographic project this past August to better understand the information needs of Michigan judges in circuit, probate, and district courts.

Report Highlights Collaboration Between Tribal, State, and Federal Courts that Benefit Michigan Families

By Stacy Sellek, MSC Public Information Office

Michigan judicial leaders representing state, federal, and tribal courts recently released a new report highlighting their cooperative efforts to better meet the needs of Native American children and families.   The report, “Michigan’s Judiciary Success Stories: How Tribal, State, and Federal Courts Are Collaborating to Benefit Michigan Families,” was released at a meeting of the Michigan Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum.

A 'Fresh' Perspective of Restorative Practices

By Nikki Dowd-McKechnie, Executive Director, E.U.P. Community Dispute Resolution Center

The E.U.P. Community Dispute Resolution Center (E.U.P. CDRC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to conduct mediation for citizens in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties in the Upper Peninsula as an alternative to the court process.  Our program is partially funded by the State Court Administrative Office.  We are particularly proud of our Fresh Start program.

Keeping Kids out of the Criminal Justice System

By Bailey Bach, 17th Circuit Court Intern and Grand Valley State University Student (Kent County)

Most people agree that education provides the foundation for a successful, independent adult life.  Many jobs require a high school diploma or a GED, leaving those who fail to finish school at a disadvantage.  However, many students today are unable to see the value of their education, and truancy has become a problem in school districts across the country.  Truancy can be associated with failure to finish school, substance abuse, and delinquency that may continue into adulthood.  This connection between truancy and delinquency has spurred many school districts to attempt to deter truancy and encourage school attendance.

New Initiatives and Programs in 3rd Circuit

By Richard Smart, Deputy Court Administrator, 3rd Circuit Juvenile Division (Wayne County)

On Friday, December 1, 2017, the Juvenile Division of the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan and the Casey Family Program Foundation hosted a celebration and showcase of new initiatives and programs at the Detroit Branch of the Chicago Federal Reserve Building. 

Midland County's First MiHOPE Graduate

By Brionna Varner, MiHOPE Coordinator for the 42nd Circuit Court (Midland)

On December 19, 2017, the Midland County Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program (SSSPP) held a special hearing to celebrate the first probationer to be successfully discharged from the program.   Known locally as MiHOPE (Midland County Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement), the program requires probationers to remain violation-free for two years in order to be successfully discharged.

EVE and Greater Lansing Food Bank Benefit from HOJ Silent Auction

Staff at the Hall of Justice in Lansing kicked off the holiday season with our annual holiday luncheon, which included a silent auction. 

Proceeds of more than $1,300 was split between End Violent Encounters (EVE, a women's shelter) and the Greater Lansing Food Bank.  


We are always amazed by the talent, creativity, and generosity demonstrated by our staff.  

These are some of the donations at this year's auction.