Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Sasha Aslanian
St. Paul, Minn.

Cops press Minn. lawmakers to spend more on youth intervention

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart
Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart speaks in support of diversion programs where caring adults invest time in young people during a news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014.
Sasha Aslanian / MPR News

Programs designed to keep young people out of the juvenile justice system want Minnesota lawmakers to double their funding next session.

The Youth Intervention Programs Association receives $5 million now from the Legislature with the money spread across two years and 182 programs statewide.

Diversion programs improve lives, save money and keep communities safer, law enforcement leaders said during a Wednesday press conference.

Anoka County Sheriff Jim Stuart told how a police officer mentored him and kept him from going down the wrong path. "He gave of his time, but more importantly, he gave of himself," Stuart said. "He changed who I am and he changed my future."

The Youth Interventions Programs Association estimates as many as 35,000 teens and their families are helped by its member programs every year in Minnesota.