From Detention to Recovery: Janene Tague Says Michigan’s System Failed Her

Janene Tague says Michigan’s juvenile justice and mental health systems failed her from the start—misdiagnosed as a child, sent to Children’s Village at 14 for truancy and a petty theft, and held until 18 without real therapy or education. She left addicted, cycled through failed rehabs, and nearly lost everything before methadone treatment and a supportive circle helped her recover. Now a harm reduction specialist, Tague speaks out about unsafe facilities, lack of access to care, and the stigma surrounding addiction, urging lawmakers to invest in real treatment instead of punishment.