Ramsey County Boys Totem Town: A Guide for Inmates
Overview of the Facility
Ramsey County Boys Totem Town was a juvenile correctional facility located in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was designed to provide rehabilitation services for male youth offenders. The facility closed in 2019 after serving the community for over 100 years.
Contact Information
Address: 398 Totem Road, St. Paul, MN 55119
Phone: (651) 266-5300
Website: Ramsey County Juvenile Corrections
Inmate Services and Programs
While operational, Boys Totem Town offered various services and programs, including:
- Education and academic support
- Vocational training
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Life skills development
- Family reunification services
History of the Facility
Boys Totem Town was established in 1908 as a working farm for delinquent boys. Over the years, it evolved into a juvenile correctional facility focused on rehabilitation. The facility closed its doors in 2019 due to declining juvenile detention rates and a shift towards community-based alternatives.
Security and Management Information
As a juvenile facility, Boys Totem Town maintained a secure environment while prioritizing rehabilitation. The staff included correctional officers, counselors, educators, and medical professionals trained to work with youth offenders.
Booking and Release Process
Juveniles were typically referred to Boys Totem Town by the court system. Upon arrival, they would undergo an intake process, including assessments and orientation. Release was determined by court order, often based on the youth's progress in the rehabilitation programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Boys Totem Town after its closure?
After its closure in 2019, Ramsey County began exploring options for repurposing the 72-acre property. Community input has been sought to determine the best use of the land for the benefit of local residents.
Why was Boys Totem Town closed?
The facility was closed due to declining juvenile detention rates and a shift in philosophy towards community-based alternatives for rehabilitating youth offenders. This change aligned with broader trends in juvenile justice reform.
What alternatives are available for juvenile offenders in Ramsey County?
Ramsey County now focuses on community-based programs, electronic monitoring, and other alternatives to detention for juvenile offenders. These programs aim to provide rehabilitation services while allowing youth to remain connected to their families and communities.
