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Youth Services Office

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DCYF works with Tribal Nations, local communities, providers, and other partners to support programs and strategies that help young people thrive and strengthen community safety.

Learn more about our programs and strategies to prevent youth involvement in the justice system, develop community-based early intervention, and build restorative practices.

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Sections

How we support youth and communities 

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Effective solutions often begin within communities. DCYF helps communities develop and sustain approaches that: 

  • Create opportunities for youth engagement and enrichment  
  • Prevent and reduce youth involvement in the justice system  
  • Address racial and ethnic disparities  
  • Connect youth and families with services
  • Promote restorative and culturally responsive practices  
  • Strengthen skills, relationships, rehabilitation, and recovery  
  • Support community safety and accountability  

Explore youth services 

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Youth justice
The Youth Justice Program supports statewide efforts to prevent and reduce youth involvement in the justice system. The program supports the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (JJAC) and coordinates work related to federal compliance, racial and ethnic disparities, mental health services, families affected by incarceration, and funding for prevention and intervention programs.
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Restorative practice and youth services
Restorative practices strengthen relationships, build community, and create opportunities to address harm through accountability, healing, and meaningful participation. Learn about Minnesota’s Restorative Practices Advisory Committee, statewide restorative practices work, and available grant opportunities.
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Youth intervention
Youth Intervention Programs (YIP) provide state funding to community organizations serving youth and their families. Programs support young people experiencing personal, family, educational, legal or substance-use challenges. Example services include academic assistance, counseling, housing, career skills and afterschool activities.

New law raising minimum age of delinquency will require extensive coordination

A 2024 law amended Minnesota's juvenile code to raise the minimum age of delinquency from 10 to 13. The Minnesota Legislature also updated the child protection code so that youth under 13 who commit a delinquent act will be considered a “child in need of protection or services” (CHIPS). These changes took effect on August 1, 2026, and represent a major shift in how the state responds to children exhibiting “concerning or harmful behaviors.” Transition will require extensive coordination among state agencies, counties, Tribal Nations, courts, law enforcement, and others.

Learn more about raising the age of delinquency.

 

Out-of-School Time programs in Minnesota 

Out-of-School Time (OST) programs give young people opportunities to build skills, develop relationships, explore new interests, and prepare for the future. 

A statewide report examines the availability, accessibility, funding, and reach of Out-of-School Time programs in Minnesota. It identifies opportunities to strengthen coordination, improve affordability, address transportation barriers, and expand access for young people across the state.

Read the Out-of-School Time programs report 

Funding opportunities 

DCYF funds community-based organizations, counties, Tribal Nations, and other partners working to prevent youth involvement in the justice system, intervene early, and improve outcomes for young people and families. 

Current and upcoming opportunities are posted on the DCYF grant opportunities page. 

Resources and updates