Complaints About Juvenile Facilities

The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections (OBFC) investigates complaints about regional and local correctional facilities, including juvenile secure detention facilities and juvenile residential facilities. For complaints about the juvenile section of Minnesota Correctional Facility-Red Wing, see the Minnesota prison complaints page.

Complaints Process for Juvenile Facilities

1. If a child is in danger, call 911 immediately.

2. Contact the Department of Corrections Inspection and Enforcement Unit

Like local adult facilities, most local juvenile correctional facilities are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections Inspection and Enforcement unit (I&E). In most cases, complaints about local juvenile facilities should first be reported to I&E. 

The OBFC is required to refer complaints about local facilities to I&E. If you make a complaint with us first, we will provide you with information to contact I&E about your complaint.

Find more information about I&E: https://mn.gov/doc/about/office-inspector-general/inspection-enforcement-licensing/

2. Report Maltreatment to the Minnesota Department of Human Services 

The exception is if you are reporting maltreatment: 

Contact 911 immediately if a child is in danger. If the child is not in immediate danger, Minnesota state law requires maltreatment of minors be reported to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). 

Call 651-431-6600 to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child.

More information is available in the OBFC Info for Youth Residents handout. 

3. Make a Complaint to the OBFC

You are welcome to contact the OBFC:

• After I&E has completed its review of your complaint or if you have questions about the complaints process.
• In addition, the Ombuds for Corrections welcomes information and complaints about systemic issues.