Ramsey County wins $549,000 in state grants for youth justice transformation; funds to support crossover youth and restorative practices

Ramsey County officials announced and the board approved two state grant agreements on June 24 to expand youth justice transformation work.

Erica Schumacher of the county attorney’s office said the first award will fund services for “crossover” youth—young people in the delinquency system who also have histories of child welfare involvement. The award includes approximately $99,000 in services funding and associated technical assistance. Schumacher clarified that the FTE described in the packet for that award is a planning specialist, not an attorney.

The second award, from the Minnesota Office of Restorative Practices, totals $450,000. Schumacher said the larger grant will fund a dedicated attorney to sit on the county’s collaborative review team, funding for community‑based partners to engage in collaborative decision‑making and service referrals, and training. The county plans to expand the collaborative review process to include young people who had been held in custody and to support community organizations providing restorative circles and other services.

Commissioners emphasized the role of community‑based partners and asked whether the grant funding would support market‑rate pay for community organizations; Schumacher said the county expects contracts to be reissued soon and that providers’ rates will reflect market pressures. Multiple commissioners praised the county’s youth justice work and noted expanded community investment.

The board approved both grant agreements by roll call.