Youth Connection Center
Hennepin County
10–17
About the Youth Connection Center
The Youth Connection Center (YCC) is a 24/7 safe and supervised space for youth ages 10 through 17 who have been picked up for status or low level offenses and/or who have been identified as sex trafficked by law enforcement in Hennepin County. Youth are screened for strengths and risk factors, connected to resources, returned to school or home and offered follow-up services when appropriate (case management).
The YCC is a safe, trauma-informed space that provides a positive alternative to incarceration. Police officers can also be more present in community when they have the option to drop youth off at the YCC instead of taking them to detention.
Services
- Risk and needs screening
- Mental health screening and connections to ongoing mental health therapy
- Assistance with parental and guardian involvement
- Enriching and educational activities for youth
- Information on rights and responsibilities
- Connections to resources and referrals to community services
- Aftercare services tailored to the unique needs of each youth, including short term services to youth who are experiencing crises and ongoing one-on-one support for youth and families who need additional services
- All sex trafficked youth are connected with The Link’s West Metro Regional Navigator and provided with services specifically for sexually exploited/trafficked youth
- Youth experiencing homelessness are connected to emergency youth shelters operated by The Link and partner agencies.
The YCC is a collaboration between Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Public Schools and The Link.
The Youth Connection Center is located at:
Room 190
505 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Learn more at: www.hennepin.us/jsc
Referral Process
Youth are eligible for Case Management support if they enter into YCC and are living in Hennepin County as well as not receiving services from another community partner, county social worker, or agency.