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Hennepin County, Minnesota

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Resources for youth

Every young person’s journey to adulthood is different. Find information to get the right help at the right time.

Connect with the Office of Multicultural Services to get any information on this page translated.

Take a  self-assessment of your well-being with the Well-Being Indicator Tool for Youth.

For statewide resources check out MN Help for Youth, 211, and YSNMN. For emergency services:

  • Text the word “safe” and your current location to 4HELP (44357)
  • Text 612-400-SAFE (7233) or call 612-377-8800
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Health insurance

Choose the best coverage for your needs by exploring MNsure. Use Portico Healthnet for help with getting enrolled and navigating health systems.

When scheduling an appointment at a clinic, ask if your insurance is accepted at that location. If you need to replace your Medical Assistance Card, visit MHCP Member Help Desk for more information.

Clinics

Child and Teen Checkups helps you find clinics. They help people younger than 20 years old to schedule appointments. Got Transition provides information on how to transition from getting healthcare as a youth to an adult.

The Myself My Health website lists clinics for young adults in the Twin Cities metro area. Visit a clinic near your neighborhood.

Relationships and sexual health

The Myself My Health website also lists clinics for teens and young adults in the Twin Cities metro area that provide confidential sexual and reproductive health care.

  • Love is respect provides chat, call, and text 24/7 services to get assistance on dating and relationships.
  • That’s not cool raises awareness for healthy relationships, online and in-person.
  • Amaze takes the awkward out of sex education and gives you the answers you want to know about sex, your body, and relationships.
  • Outfront has free, confidential crisis counseling and advocacy services about gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual/romantic attractions.
  • RECLAIM increases access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms including partnerships with healthcare resources.
  • Better Together Hennepin provides programs and services so that all young people have access to sexual education, high-quality reproductive health care, healthy youth development opportunities, and connections to caring adults.
  • Red Door Clinic in downtown Minneapolis offers sexual health services including pregnancy, STD and HIV testing for anyone.
  • The Transgender Health Project Shot Clinic is a group of concerned trans folks helping out other trans folks with their hormone shots.
  • MIWRC programs provide support, advocacy and activities that utilize traditional teachings and other cultural strengths to encourage healing, build resilience and counter the normalization of violence for Two Spirit/Native LGBTQ, women, and families.
  • Sexualhealthmn.org provides confidential information and services via phone, text, and web chat on family planning and STDs.
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides advocates who are available around the clock to talk confidentially with anyone who is experiencing domestic violence and is seeking resources, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationships. Find Minnesota-specific resources and shelter options at MN Day One.
  • The Hennepin Assault Response Team (HART) provides medical care and support for patients who report sexual assault, human trafficking/sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and child abuse.
  • No Wrong Door provides assistance to youth who have been or are at risk of being sexually exploited, find resources on the No Wrong Door hub or here (PDF). If you or someone you know is being sexually exploited or trafficked contact your Regional Navigator or connect with MN Day One via call or text.

Mental health and substance use

Hennepin County can help children and adults find and receive mental health services and help with substance use disorders. Hennepin offers evaluations, therapy and education.

  • Change to Chill, mycepaz, and seize the awkward provide tips and tools for how to handle stressors in life. This free, online resource provides opportunities to journal and gives ideas on how to manage stress.
  • There may be a mental health clinic in your school. Talk with your local school district or school counselor for assistance.
  • Search for a therapist that works with Black Girls and/or focuses on trauma.
  • RECLAIM increases access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms including partnerships with healthcare resources.
  • Fast Tracker links real time service availability for mental health and substance use disorders and helps you find clinics and treatment options.
  • The Hennepin County Mental Health Center provides ongoing, comprehensive, client-centered treatment that provides assessments and evaluation, therapy and education, medications services, and whole person care.
  • Southside Harm Reduction Services works within a harm reduction framework to promote human rights to health, safety, autonomy, and agency among people who use substances.
  • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, text “MN” to 741 741, connect with Hennepin County mobile crisis teams (COPE) or call 911.

Services for people with disabilities

The disability hub and DB 101 provides tools and information on health coverage, benefits and employment for people with disabilities. PACER and Vocational Rehabilitation Services help young people with disabilities to develop self-advocacy skills and increase success in the classroom, at home and in the community.

Hennepin County offers services to help people with disabilities live in their communities as independently as possible.

Affordable options

The path to homeownership is different for everyone. Check out the MN Homeownership Center to take your first step and get financial assistance with Urban Homeworks, City of Lakes Land Trust, or Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America. Search Craigslist, Pad Mapper, Zillow or Housing Link for affordable rental opportunities in the neighborhood you want to live in.

People facing barriers to housing in the private market may find housing through HB 101 and the Hennepin Housing Key including group residential housing, board and lodging, supportive housing, and independent living.

Staying with a friend or family member

When the guest and the host have shared expectations, staying temporarily at someone’s house while looking for a place to live can be a safe option. It’s important that the guest follows the rules set by the lease and landlord. Hosts should set clear boundaries about how long the guest may stay and what is expected in terms of payment, chores and house rules. If at any time the guest feels unsafe, they should connect with the Youth Resource Line, utilize the shelter system or call 911.

The YMCA and Avenues for Youth provide support and training to homes that host young people for a temporary or longer term stay through their host home program.

The YMCA offers Independent Living Skills classes regularly. Text "ILS" to the phone number 22454 to receive text alerts for upcoming workshops. All workshops are available virtually.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides advocates who are available every day, around the clock, to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence seeking resources, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationships. Find Minnesota-specific resources and shelter options at MN Day One.

Hennepin County offers housing options for youth who have been or are at risk of sexual exploitation through the No Wrong Door Initiative. Find resources on the No Wrong Door hub or here (PDF). If you or someone you know is being sexually exploited or trafficked contact your Regional Navigator or connect with MN Day One via call or text.

Homelessness

The Youth Resource Line, Tenant Resource Center, and Home Line support people who are at risk of eviction or homelessness. Emergency assistance is available to help with rent and other housing costs.

Hennepin County supports your basic needs at drop-in centers located in downtown Minneapolis at Youthlink, in Bloomington at Oasis for Youth, and at MoveFwd in Hopkins. Check out Waypoint or the Handbook of the Streets for food, clothing and other vital resources near you.

Use the website ysnmn.org to find available shelter beds.

If you experience homelessness, live on the street or in a place unfit to live, call the Youth Resource Line, connect with an outreach worker on ysnmn.org to complete an assessment to find housing options. The Coordinated Entry system prioritizes people most in need of housing.

High school or GED

  • To enroll or re-enroll in a school, check out a school near you on this map. Find school options with the Minneapolis School Finder. Find a charter school near you, including online options.
  • Check with your school counselor or teacher for tutoring programs and homework assistance at your school, chat online with a tutor from the library, ask a librarian a question, or go to your local library in your neighborhood for homework help or a quiet spot to study.
  • MVNA Pathways helps youth who are expecting, pregnant or parenting and youth involved in juvenile justice decide what educational pathway is right for them. They provide outreach, academic and career assessments, onsite GED prep, career and vocational training, paid internships, and case management to students enrolled in the program.
  • LEAP, JAG, and Plus network of schools increases educational and employment opportunities for youth and young adults, 14 to 21 years old who are in foster care, involved in the juvenile justice system, teen parents, and/or are homeless or highly mobile.
  • Identify and find support through the Learning Disabilities Association.
  • Takoda Prep, Adult Education Centers, Good Will/ Easter Seals, and Summit Academy OIC provides classes and assistance to get a GED and vocational training.
  • Be@School supports youth and families in increasing school attendance.

Higher education

  • Check out the college and career center at your local high school.
  • TRIO, College Possible, and AVID are programs that help youth get their degree and prepare for, enter and complete college. Talk to your high school counselor to learn more.
  • Destination: Diploma to Degree (D3) at Minneapolis Community and Technical College is a PSEO college program open to students enrolled at approved alternative learning centers (ALC). D3 helps students who are behind in high school credits or who have dropped out earn a high school diploma and take college classes, while working towards a college degree.
  • If you were in foster care after your 16th birthday, you may be eligible for an Education and Training Voucher that provides money for college, including two-year, four-year and certificate programs.
  • If you graduated from a Minneapolis or St. Paul high school, you may qualify for free tuition at certain colleges. Talk to your high school counselor about The Power of You program.
  • Scholly and College Greenlight are great resources for students looking for scholarships.
  • Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for financial aid for college or grad school.

Learning for life

  • Classes are available at Literacy MN for people 17 years or older in English, GED, math, computers, and job skills.
  • Hennepin County libraries offer online resources and community spaces to read, get homework help and tutoring, and learn new skills.
  • The Best Buy Teen Tech Centers make new technology tools available for teens to use for activities including music and video production, interactive programming, digital photography, and graphic design.

Transportation

There are many options to get from place to place within Hennepin County. Whether you have your own vehicle or utilize public transportation, there are many ways to get around Hennepin County.

Personal identification and voting

Having a form of identification is important to find a job, ensure public safety, and to get services. Some locations will accept alternative forms of identification including school ID, library card, and/or city ID. You can prove identification and residence by bringing in a piece of mail with your name and address on it or a bank statement.

Learn how to apply for a Minnesota State ID (available at any age), obtain a birth certificate, or get a driver’s license at Hennepin County. Connect with the US Social Security Administration to obtain a social security card or the US Department of State for a passport.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs help young people with immigration and documentation questions.

People 18 years and older are able to register and vote in local, state, and federal elections. Prepare to vote, register online, and vote at your local polling place.

Explore your options at Career One Stop or check out the college and career center at your local high school.

Get resume help, career counseling, job placement and support at your local Career Force Center or online at CareerForce. Utilize guidance to assess if your job path could be affected due to a criminal record.

Training programs provide year-round and summer jobs and individualized training services for youth, ages 14 to 24. Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States Department of Labor, and Youth Engaged 4 Change offer specific career opportunities for youth. Connect with a local workforce agency to create your pathway to a career.

Hennepin County provides career pathways for young adults through internships, summer positions, and full-time positions. Check out postings and sign up for reminders when positions open here.

Volunteer and lead

Do you have an experience or expertise that you would be able to provide? Connect with the volunteer team to learn more about volunteering at Hennepin County through health and human services, corrections and public safety, and environment and gardening.

There are many advisory councils and boards throughout Hennepin County that seek young people to advise decision making. Ask any organization you are involved with if they need support for their advisory council. Check out Youth Engaged 4 Change, the Minneapolis Youth Congress, the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance, or the MN Alliance for Youth.

AmeriCorps and the MN GreenCorps look for individuals of all ages to give their time and talent to strengthen our communities and protect Minnesota's environment.

Help for young parents

Hennepin County offers a number of programs that help young parents. Find the program that works best for you. Staff, particularly the Youth Eligibility Team, direct, connect, and assist young parents online and through the phone through the Human Service Center.

  • Early childhood intervention services offers support and education from pregnancy to kindergarten.
  • The MN Child Passenger Safety Program provides free car seats for families.
  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers food vouchers for expecting women or parents with children younger than five.
  • Hennepin Health through MVNA offers home visiting, educational supports, and guidance for young parents.
  • Fathers can find a network of support through the FATHER Project
  • FamilyWise Bright Beginnings offers pregnant and parenting youth ages 12–21 the opportunity to increase parenting skills, social skills, independent living skills, and pregnancy prevention as well as awareness of physical, chemical and mental health.
  • Cash and food assistance are available depending on life circumstance, family size and type, and other factors.
  • Child care assistance helps young parents continue their education and work by providing assistance for child care.
  • Child support helps find parents, establish parentage and set and enforce court orders for support.

Cash and food

A livable income can help you support yourself and your family. To help with budgeting, savings, and credit look to Hands On Banking or Mint for tips and suggestions on how to allocate your income. Access Waypoint, CAP, and Google to find food shelves near you.

Your support network

You can identify a team of support who will help you meet your needs and reach your goals.

  • The Center for Parent & Teen Communication gives great advice for teens and parents on building relationships and how to manage stress.
  • Find a mentor for career coaching, life development and support through youth school, college or MentorMN.
  • OutFront Minnesota offers information for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirit youth.
  • The YMCA offers Independent Living Skills classes regularly. Text "ILS" to the phone number 22454 to receive text alerts for upcoming workshops. All workshops are available virtually.
  • Youth Resource Guide provides a comprehensive list of services available within the southern and southeast suburbs of Hennepin County.

Hennepin County wants every young person is surrounded by supportive and safe family and community. If you are thinking of fleeing a relationship, home, community or already have left, connect with 1800 Runaway for confidential, non-judgmental advice.

After school opportunities near you

Connect with your community to have fun, receive support to excel in school and move your body.

Relationships and sexual health

Myself My Health website lists teen and clinics for young adults in the Twin Cities metro area that provide confidential sexual and reproductive health care.

  • Love is respect provides chat, call, and text communications to get assistance on dating and relationships.
  • That’s not cool raises awareness for healthy relationships online and in-person.
  • Amaze takes the awkward out of sex education and gives you the answers you want to know about sex, your body, and relationships.
  • Outfront has free, confidential crisis counseling and advocacy services about gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual/romantic attractions.
  • RECLAIM increases access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms including partnerships with healthcare resources.
  • Better Together Hennepin provides programs and services so that all young people have access to sexual education, high-quality reproductive health care, healthy youth development opportunities, and connections to caring adults.
  • Red Door Clinic in downtown Minneapolis offers sexual health services including pregnancy, STD and HIV testing for anyone.
  • Sexualhealthmn.org provides confidential information and services via phone, text, and web-chat on family planning and STDs.
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline provides advocates who are available 24/7/365 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence seeking resources, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationships. Find MN specific resources and shelter options at MN Day One.
  • No Wrong Door provides assistance to youth who have been or are at risk of being sexually exploited, find resources on the No Wrong Door hub or here (PDF). If you or someone you know is being sexually exploited or trafficked contact your Regional Navigator or connect with MN Day One via call or text.

Community safety

There is a safe and supervised space 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Youth Connection Center for people ages 10 to 17. Drop-in centers for basic needs are located in downtown Minneapolis at Youthlink and Bloomington at Oasis for Youth.

Hennepin County is here to help ensure safety wherever possible through de-escalation, adult and juvenile diversion, alternatives to detention, and probation and rehabilitation. Find employment and career options including barista and construction career by talking to your probation officer. Utilize guidance to assess if your job path could be affected due to a criminal record. Young adults that have been previously incarcerated can seek assistance through their probation or parole officer. Find additional resources, including coalitions, fairs and community resources, through the Department of Corrections. 

Foster care

Hennepin County helps young people that have been separated from their family. Fostering and adoption provide safe places to heal with the support of caring adults. Youth transitioning from foster care to independence may utilize these supports for additional assistance.

  • The Connections to Independence (C2I) provide support for young people to build skills and ensure that they are able to live independently in the community of their choice including life coaches, workshops, and leadership opportunities. The YMCA offers Independent Living Skills classes regularly. Text "ILS" to the phone number 22454 to receive text alerts for upcoming workshops. All workshops are available virtually.
  • Youth in Transition Conferencing is a series of meetings to help young people plan for living independently with their circle of support. The process draws on the young persona’s strengths, interests and goals to set a course for future independence and life success. If you are interested, you can talk to your primary social worker.
  • Vital records are documents that certified major events in one’s life (i.e. birth, death and marriage certificates etc.) Before you leave foster care, make sure you have these essential documents for your records: birth certificate, social security card, State ID (available at any age), medical insurance card, last known address of parents/ relatives, placement history, child welfare history, medical records, education records, credit report. Connect with your case worker for assistance getting these documents. Get secure vital document storage, housing and disability assistance through my vault on DB 101 or HB 101.
  • Connect with LGBTQ resources compiled for youth in care by the University of Minnesota.
  • Extended Foster Care provides continued help to young people that turn 18 while in care up to the age of 21. Individuals receive a cash stipend while working or continuing their education to support their transition.
  • STAY funds (Successful Transition to Adulthood for Youth) are available for young people to use at their discretion. Talk to your case worker about receiving extra cash assistance to visit a family member, go on a college tour, sign up for driver’s education, or anything you may need extra funds for.
  • Young people are able to access funds for Post-secondary training and education. Apply online or ask your case worker for more assistance.
  • The nsoro Foundation and College Possible Minnesota’s Fostering Graduates helps to provide every youth aging out of foster care access to a college education.

Starting at age 18, health insurance and medical coverage is provided to youth in out-of-home placement, up to age 26. Connect with your case worker or Portico Healthnet for MNsure enrollment assistance.

Legal Assistance

Mental health and substance use

Hennepin County can help children and adults find and receive mental health services and help with substance use disorders. Hennepin offers evaluations, therapy and education.

  • Change to Chill, mycepaz, and seize the awkward provide tips and tools for how to handle stressors in life. This free, online resource provides opportunities to journal and gives ideas on how to manage stress.
  • There may be a mental health clinic in your school. Talk with your local school district or school counselor for assistance.
  • Search for a therapist that works with Black Girls and/or focuses on trauma.
  • RECLAIM increases access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms including partnerships with healthcare resources.
  • Fast Tracker links real time service availability for mental health and substance use disorders and helps you find clinics and treatment options.
  • The Hennepin County Mental Health Center provides ongoing, comprehensive, client-centered treatment that provides assessments and evaluation, therapy and education, medications services, and whole person care.
  • Southside Harm Reduction Services works within a harm reduction framework to promote human rights to health, safety, autonomy, and agency among people who use substances.
  • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, text “MN” to 741 741, connect with Hennepin County mobile crisis teams (COPE) or call 911.

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