Youth Justice Transformation
Summary
The county celebrated two decades of juvenile justice reform with a proclamation, noting that just weeks ago only one young person was held in the juvenile detention center. Commissioners and partners from the courts, sheriff, attorneys and community groups rallied around the work.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Implementation costs for county systems and placements are not yet quantified.
Young people and families in the justice system, who get prevention and restorative supports instead of detention.
Communities and the youths themselves if no placement or service options exist for serious cases.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Board of Commissioners — October 13, 2026
The county celebrated two decades of juvenile justice reform with a proclamation, noting that just weeks ago only one young person was held in the juvenile detention center. Commissioners and partners from the courts, sheriff, attorneys and community groups rallied around the work.
Budget Committee of the Whole — September 10, 2026
The county's youth restorative justice program cuts recidivism to 4%, but its $500,000 state grant expires in 2027. Leaders plan to lobby the legislature and foundations for bridge funding.
Budget Committee of the Whole — September 1, 2026
American Indian children in Ramsey County are 43 times more likely than the lowest-rate group (Asian children) to be placed out of home, and disparities grew in 2025. The department has trained all staff on ICWA/MIFPA, expanded prevention programs, and Commissioner Miller asked for baseline data on what's driving the number.
Board Workshop / Discussion — June 2, 2026
A five-year study found girls of color, especially Black and American Indian girls, are heavily overrepresented in the county's child welfare and juvenile justice systems, with high rates of abuse history and placement churn. The county plans to use the findings to reshape services through Youth Justice Transformation and a metro-wide continuum-of-care planning grant.
Board Workshop / Discussion — May 26, 2026
A new law raising the age of juvenile delinquency from 10 to 13 takes effect August 1. Commissioners flagged a real gap: there's no placement for kids who commit serious acts, since foster placements and juvenile facilities may not take them.
How St. Paul Became The Twin Cities’ Leader On Justice Reform
How St. Paul Became The Twin Cities’ Leader On Justice Reform The Appeal
Ramsey County to close Boys Totem Town juvenile facility
Ramsey County to close Boys Totem Town juvenile facility Pioneer Press
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Ramsey County
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.