Family Supports Unit
The Family Supports Unit is made up of several team members who operate as one to help meet the needs of justice-impacted people and their loved ones - in the hopes those served will go on to live transformative and sustainable lives.
-
Child Support Navigation - the Child Support Liaison assists Justice-impacted people in navigating the child support and paternity system in efforts to remove barriers and be the conduit between MN County Child Support Offices and the justice-impacted individual, to help ensure a sustainable plan is put in place upon release.
-
Community Resource Navigation - the Community Navigator can help with researching and establishing connections with professionals and community partners.
-
Facility Navigator - serves as a key point of contact for incarcerated individuals and their families, helping them understand and navigate policies, procedures, and concerns. This role ensures families stay informed and supported throughout the incarceration period
- Healthy Start - a conditional release program created by statute for eligible pregnant and post-partum incarcerated women.
Navigating the Criminal Justice System Resource
Navigating the Criminal Justice System — A NAMI resource for people with mental illness and their families
Community Meetings
MCF-St. Cloud/MCF-Shakopee facilities staff and the Department of Corrections Family Supports Unit are hosting a Family and Friends of Incarcerated Group.
This session's focus is to inform justice impacted families on Receiving and Orientation, along with our Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program for those who are in our care, so that loved ones may provide positive support while strengthening their family connection during their loved one’s incarceration.
- The virtual meeting is Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 6 - 7 p.m.
- Advanced registration is required. Click link to register.
- The meeting is an opportunity for family and friends to learn about general processes, hear updates from MCF- Red Wing Adult Minimum facilities staff and Family Supports Unit staff, and to ask questions.
- This is not a video visit with incarcerated loved ones.
If you have additional questions, email familysupportsunit.doc@state.mn.us.