The Intensive Therapeutic Healing and Treatment Homes play a crucial role in serving youth involved in the justice system. These homes provide a secure setting where intense treatment can be administered to meet the diverse needs of these young individuals. In Ramsey County, efforts are underway to open multiple small treatment homes to address the critical gap in placements for youth who have committed crimes and cannot safely return to the community.

Empowering Youth through Intensive Therapeutic Treatment

Meeting the Needs of At-Risk Youth

Ramsey County leaders recognized the need for specialized treatment settings when they received money from the state legislature in 2023. The goal was to create homelike environments where youth with mental, behavioral, or chemical health needs could receive the care they deserve. By opening these small treatment homes, officials hope to provide a more personalized and secure environment for these young people.Many of the youth in the justice system come from challenging backgrounds, with addiction, homelessness, and poverty being common. The treatment homes will be based in Ramsey County, allowing family members to participate in the treatment process. This family involvement is crucial as it provides a support system for the youth during their recovery journey.Unlike traditional group homes, these treatment homes can be locked to prevent runaways. This added security measure ensures that the youth are safe and can focus on their treatment without the risk of wandering off.

Cracking Down on Juvenile Crime

Sheriff Bob Fletcher has been actively working to crack down on car theft and carjacking involving youth. He has seen firsthand the impact of these crimes on the community and understands the need for alternative solutions. The new treatment homes, he believes, can help steer these youth down a more productive path while keeping the public safe.By addressing the underlying issues such as mental health, trauma, and behavioral health, these treatment homes have the potential to break the cycle of juvenile crime. The younger these issues are addressed, the better the chances of a successful recovery.

Community-Based Organizations at Work

The county is reaching out to community-based organizations to develop culturally responsive homes for up to six youth at a time. These organizations will play a vital role in providing the necessary support and care to the youth. The county will use the money from the legislature to get these homes up and running and will also work to increase the reimbursement rate for providers who take on this difficult job.Tyrone Terrill, who runs a navigators program for kids in the juvenile justice system, emphasizes the importance of these homes. "A lot of children from birth never had a chance," he says. "I believe these homes will give kids a chance."The move comes at a time when metro counties are grappling with a post-pandemic rise in juvenile crime and a lack of facilities to rehabilitate youth. Some of these youth are incompetent to stand trial due to their young age, mental illness, or low IQ. The Intensive Therapeutic Healing and Treatment Homes offer a glimmer of hope in addressing these challenges.In November, Hennepin County approved emergency action to turn part of a county building into a Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Center. This action was a response to the need for secure treatment for troubled kids accused of crimes. It shows the growing recognition of the importance of specialized treatment facilities in addressing juvenile crime.Overall, the Intensive Therapeutic Healing and Treatment Homes in Ramsey County represent an important step forward in providing hope and support to at-risk youth. By addressing their unique needs and providing a secure environment for treatment, these homes have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of these young individuals and the communities they serve.