Juvenile Lifers are individuals who were unconstitutionally sentenced to mandatory life without parole for offenses committed as children 18 years old or younger. In Michigan, 378 Juveniles have been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. More than half of those remain in prison. Some have passed away and some have been released from prison.

How We Are Helping: First UMC sponsors two inmates with the goal of sending them a book each month.

• You can participate by signing up to send a book (ordered online and sent direct to the inmate) and a note (mailed separately). We often receive thank you notes back from the inmates and you will get a pdf of the notes sent after your book was received.
• Small financial gifts may be sent from the church (no more than $50 a quarter) for the Juvenile Lifer’s prison account.
• FUMC may also sponsor a “life essentials” kit annually for a juvenile lifer who is being released (max $350 for back pack, duffel bag, clothing, footwear, toiletries, gift cards).

Sign up to Send a Book

Contact missions@brightonfumc.org

History

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that mandatory sentences of life without the possibility of parole are unconstitutional for 17 and under juvenile offenders. Within the past year, Michigan has extended the Juvenile Lifer designation to children 18 years old or younger.

The Michigan State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) has gained the release of Michigan Juvenile Lifers by petitioning courts for resentencing.