Nowhere to go: Sending kids out of state costs
Minnesota allocates millions in taxpayer funds to facilitate the out-of-state placement of troubled youth seeking care, as highlighted by FOX 9’s Paul Blume in a detailed report.
(FOX 9) – An extensive examination of state and county data, alongside budgetary records, sheds light on the pressing challenge of addressing youth mental health issues in Minnesota, particularly affecting children navigating the juvenile justice system.
“With complex needs, you look to what is there,” explained Hennepin County Administrator David Hough. “And unfortunately, if there are not resources available in Minnesota, we look to other states. And that is where you have the out-of-home placements and the spend on out-of-home placements.”
READ MORE: Hennepin Co. investing millions to treat juvenile offenders with nowhere to go
The numbers
In an effort to understand the scope of this issue, FOX 9 submitted public data requests to various counties across Minnesota, revealing the alarming number of children being sent out-of-state for treatment this year. These necessary placements include children requiring care at Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities. Many of these youngsters enter the system as juvenile offenders, while others come through different social service pathways. The records also disclose staggering financial costs associated with out-of-state treatment for these vulnerable children.
- Stearns County: One child – $83,991
- Dakota County: Four children – $132,873
- Olmsted County: Three children – $222,000
- Chisago County: One child – $286,000
“It is substantial,” remarked Chisago County Health and Human Services Director Robert Benson. “We talk about our child placements overall all the time when we are talking about our budgets, because it is one of the things we have the least amount of control over.”
In total this year, there have been applications submitted for at least 117 Minnesota kids for treatment facilities in another state, according to the Department of Children, Youth and Families.
FOX 9’s investigation revealed that counties are often compelled to seek treatment options outside of Minnesota due to a severe shortage of psychiatric care available within the state. Currently, Minnesota has only four psychiatric treatment facilities capable of providing the specialized level of care and treatment that these children desperately need. These facilities frequently face staffing shortages and regularly deny admission to children with histories of violent behavior.
Hennepin County
This year alone, Hennepin County has recognized the critical need for intervention by sending 22 children out of state for treatment. This figure encompasses children entering the system through various social service entry points, including juvenile delinquency. The financial toll on the county has approached nearly $2.1 million.
In response to this pressing issue, the county has set aside $22 million for the establishment of a youth stabilization center located in south Minneapolis. By transforming two floors of an existing adult treatment facility at 1800 Chicago Avenue, the county intends to provide a safe and supportive environment where children with mental health needs can be housed and treated. The ambitious goal is to open 10–15 beds for troubled children early in the new year, which would help facilitate their transition away from juvenile detention facilities, where they may be held unnecessarily.
“I wanted to provide a pressure valve, if you will, to help provide an alternative for the bench versus detention,” said Hough.
Hough estimates that accommodating and treating a child around the clock in this new youth stabilization center will incur costs of approximately $2,000 per day, per child.
**Interview with David Hough, Hennepin County Administrator, on Out-of-State Placement of Troubled Youth**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Hough. We’ve seen a concerning trend in Minnesota regarding the placement of troubled youth in out-of-state facilities. Can you explain why this is becoming a growing concern?
**David Hough:** Thank you for having me. The need for out-of-state placements stems from a lack of adequate mental health resources in Minnesota. When children with complex needs are unable to find the appropriate care locally, we’re forced to look to other states. This is particularly challenging because it often involves significant taxpayer dollars and can disrupt the lives of these youth.
**Interviewer:** FOX 9’s investigation revealed that counties are incurring substantial costs for these placements. Could you provide some insight into the financial implications?
**David Hough:** Absolutely. The costs can be staggering. For example, reports show that Stearns County spent nearly $84,000 on just one child, while Olmsted County faced costs around $222,000 for three children. Across the board, we’re looking at varying costs based on individual needs and the type of care required. This financial burden is a major issue we deal with in our budgets.
**Interviewer:** With 117 applications this year alone for out-of-state treatment facilities, what does this say about the current state of mental health resources in Minnesota?
**David Hough:** It highlights a critical gap in our system. Despite our best efforts and investments, we simply do not have enough facilities that can cater to the unique needs of these children. Many of them come from the juvenile justice system or are referred through social services, and if we don’t have the right resources here, we have to look elsewhere—often at a great cost.
**Interviewer:** Chisago County’s Health and Human Services Director mentioned the lack of control over these costs. How does this affect planning and resource allocation for counties?
**David Hough:** It significantly complicates our budget planning. When a large portion of our resources goes to out-of-state placements, it limits our ability to invest in preventative services or local mental health supports. We need to work towards a more integrated system that keeps these kids close to home and minimizes costs and disruptions in their lives.
**Interviewer:** What steps is Hennepin County taking to address these challenges?
**David Hough:** We are actively seeking to increase local resources and advocate for more funding from the state. We’re also working with community partners to develop programs that can provide immediate and adequate support to these youth within Minnesota, aiming to reduce the need for out-of-state placements altogether.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Hough, for shedding light on this important issue. It’s clear that more must be done to support and care for our youth at home.
**David Hough:** Thank you for having me, and I appreciate the focus on this critical issue. We need to ensure that the most vulnerable among us receive the care they need without having to leave their home state.