Brief Description: The mission of the Minnesota Dept. of Corrections is to develop and provide effective correctional services that contribute to a safer Minnesota. The guiding principal of the Minnesota Dept. of Corrections is to provide quality, cost-effective services for the public, victims and offenders that are consistent with law, policy and best practices. This is accomplished through an efficient, diverse, centralized organization.

Full description: DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES PROVIDED The Department of Corrections-CU is staffed by a Supervisor, Corrections Agents, Restorative Justice Coordinators and Support Staff. The department is responsible for correctional services for juvenile offenders involved in all levels of offences and for adult misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenders. Clients range in age from approximately ten to those who are elderly. The Department of Corrections-CU is a participant in the Winona County Family Services Collaborative. As part of the collaborative, they have incorporated the asset-building model into their work with children and families. The department is actively involved with the collaborative in trying to improve inter-agency delivery of services to their clientele. PROGRAMS -Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) – A system, step-by-step cognitive-behavioral treatment system initially designed for offender populations. MRT is designed for offender populations. MRT is designed to alter how offenders think and how they make decisions about right and wrong. -Community Group Conferencing – Can be used as an alternative form of conflict resolution or as a diversion from court. Participation of the victim(s) is voluntary, and the participation of the offender(s) is based on their readiness. The offender(s) must first admit guilt and then a meeting between the victim(s), offender(s) and their support groups will be established. Families involved in Community Group Conference must sign a release form allowing a referral to Restorative Justice. Through the conference, the group will discuss and determine the best way to repair the harm. -Community Service Mentoring – Offers high-risk juveniles the opportunity to complete their dispositions. The program attempts to teach responsibility; and, in the process, juveniles are held accountable for their delinquent acts. The juveniles complete community work projects with direct supervision from adults who are interested and sensitive to the needs of children. -Juvenile Intensive Supervision – Provides intensive supervision for approximately 15 to 20 high-risk youth. The agent has a minimum of five contacts per week, with two of those contacts being fact-to-face. -Monitoring/Mentoring – This Asset-Based Program targets both at-risk (pre-adjudicated) and high-risk (post-adjudicated) youth. These youth range from 10-19 years of age. Participants in the program benefit from an 18-month mentoring relationship with 1 of 9 students from St. Mary’s and Winona State University. -Sentence-To-Serve – (STS) – Winona has two crew leaders who work with both juveniles and adults on community projects. -TOBEA - (Todd and Bill’s Excellent Adventure) - An independent living skills program designed for female and male participants 16 – 21 years old. The program is limited to 12 participants. Classes will run approximately three times a year. 2004 Goals TECHNOLOGY – Continue working with technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness for the Dept. of Corrections-CU operations. Work with CSTS/Citrix to help accomplish this goal. PRORAMS – Continue implementing offender classification and risk/need assessment tool in compliance with the Dept. of Corrections 8 point plan. Assesses, design, plan and implement new programs for offenders. Refine, improve and evaluate existing programs. COLLABORATION – Continue working with the Winona County Collaborative to enhance the coordinated effort of delivering services to children and families. Make a concerted effort to permeate the concepts of “asset building” throughout the community. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – Continue to actively recruit college students and community members to volunteer to assist Corrections Agents and Restorative Justice Coordinators in mentoring and monitoring offenders, and participating in Community Group Conferences and Circles.

Eligibility: See PROGRAMS in the "Full Description" section.

Contact: Carol Mueller

Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 PM

Fees: varies

Phone: 507-457-6524

FAX: 507-454-9391

Email: cmueller@co.winona.mn.us

Address: 171 West 3rd St., 5th Fl Courthouse

City/St/ZIP: Winona MN 55987

Volunteers: Contact Restorative Justice Program.

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Minnesota Dept of Corrections Courthouse Unit, Winona County provides services in these categories:

• Case Management

• Public Safety

• Volunteer Opportunities

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