Ramsey County MN Juvenile Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Ramsey Co Juvenile DC on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 651-266-5280.

The Ramsey County MN Juvenile Detention Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 25 West 7th St St. Paul, MN that is operated locally by the Juvenile Justice Department and holds youths awaiting the determination of punishment for the crimes of which they are accused. Most of the adolescents are here for less than two years.

The juvenile justice system differs from the adult system, focusing on rehabilitation and recognizing the developmental differences in juveniles. It aims to protect both the child and the public and helps juveniles become productive adults.

Juveniles are detained if they pose a threat, may miss court, or violate court orders. Parental involvement is crucial for effective supervision and rehabilitation.

Key differences in terminology include "taken into custody" instead of "arrest" and "supervision" instead of "probation." Referrals usually come from law enforcement, and an intake social worker decides the juvenile's placement. An inquiry can lead to dismissal, corrective action, or court involvement.

The process includes a plea hearing, possible evaluations, a pre-trial conference, a fact-finding hearing, and a dispositional hearing to determine the case's outcome. Parents may need to cover associated costs.

The Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center serves as a secure facility for juvenile male and female offenders up to 18 years old, awaiting legal proceedings such as initial hearings, trials, court dispositions, or placements. With a capacity of 44 beds and an average stay of around eight days, the center accommodates residents in five living units, each equipped with individual rooms, along with an additional four-room Special Housing Unit.

Annually, the center temporarily houses approximately 1,000 juveniles from neighboring counties and law enforcement agencies, ensuring their basic needs are met and their legal rights upheld. The mission of the center is to protect the community while improving the lives of residents through dignified treatment and quality programs within a culturally sensitive, safe, secure, and structured environment.

A typical day at the center includes various activities such as meals, school, rest periods, recreational opportunities, and religious services. Staff-facilitated discussions address educational topics tailored to residents' needs, providing new perspectives and nurturing relationship-based authority to foster a sense of safety. Religious programs, including chaplain services and Sunday church services, are offered, alongside faith-based materials for residents.

Schooling is provided by fully licensed teachers from the Saint Paul Public Schools system, offering general and special education classes. Health services, administered by the Ramsey County Public Health Department, include assessments upon admission, medical and mental health screenings, acute and chronic care, pharmacy services, and DNA and urine sample collections as ordered by the courts. Mental health services, such as crisis intervention and psychological evaluations, are also available to all residents as needed.