Youth Connection Center

This resource can help prevent youth from becoming victims of violence.

Collaborating to keep our youth safe

The Youth Connection Center (YCC) serves 10 to 17-year-olds.

It's a safe, supervised space for youth who are picked up for truancy, curfew, or low level offenses.

By serving youth at YCC, we:

  • Prevent them from being victims of violence
  • Prevent further involvement in the juvenile justice system
  • Help them get reconnected to school

YCC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The program is a partnership among:

  • Minneapolis Public Schools
  • Hennepin County
  • City of Minneapolis

The Link, a local youth-serving organization, provides the services.

Student talking to counselor

How it works

Law enforcement officers bring young people to the YCC.

YCC youth workers:

  • Work with them to understand their needs
  • Provide immediate crisis support and ensure the young person makes it home safely
  • Offer voluntary long-term case management services to youth and families who need more support

Immediate services

  • Risk and needs screening
  • Mental health screening and connections to mental health services
  • Assistance with parent/guardian involvement
  • Enriching and educational activities 
  • Information on rights and responsibilities
  • Connections and referrals to community services
  • Resources for sexually exploited/trafficked youth

Program impact

2021 numbers

  • Among youth who reached active status with YCC case management, 92% had no further status or criminal offenses within six months of completion.  
  • Among youth who were not enrolled in school at the time of their referral, 100% enrolled in school with the support of their case manager. 

 

Contact us

Office of Violence Prevention

 Facebook

Email Office of Violence Prevention

Phone

612-673-2301

Address

Minneapolis Health Department
250 4th St. S., Room 510
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday