Request for $28.38 million to expand Clay County juvenile psychiatric and treatment beds

An unidentified presenter asked the Minnesota Legislature to approve $28,380,000 to expand the West Central Regional Juvenile Center in Clay County, saying the investment would add psychiatric residential capacity and a new nonsecure juvenile facility to serve youth in crisis.

The presenter said bipartisan support has already secured $1,000,000 to convert an existing nonsecure juvenile facility into an 18‑bed psychiatric residential treatment facility, including what the speaker described as Minnesota’s only secure six‑bed unit. "Minimal renovation is required and the facility has already been inspected and approved," the speaker said.

The requested funding would also build a new 40‑bed nonsecure juvenile facility to serve youth ages 10 to 21, the presenter said. The facility, the testimony said, would offer therapy, education, recreation, medical care and transitional living so families can stay connected while youth receive care.

The speaker framed the project as broadly supported across the region, saying 29 counties, all 11 tribal nations in Minnesota, educators, providers and business leaders back the plan. The presenter urged lawmakers to act because of what they described as a statewide shortage of psychiatric beds: "Minnesota ranks last in the nation for psychiatric bed availability," the speaker said.

Citing 2024 referral data, the presenter said 281 children were referred for residential treatment but only 66 were placed, and that many wait weeks or months for care. The testimony warned that youth awaiting placement are sometimes housed in detention centers, emergency rooms or hotels and may be sent hours away or out of state.

The speaker closed with a direct appeal to lawmakers: "Invest in Minnesota's youth. Fund the non secure juvenile facility and psychiatric residential treatment facility project." No formal vote or legislative action was recorded in the testimony.