Funding boost sought for early intervention program

Lawmakers are looking to boost funding for a state program that supports local programs that work with youth and families.

The Minnesota Youth Intervention Program started in 1976 and continues today to help community-based early intervention programs with funding and other resources.

HF2362, which the House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee laid over Wednesday, would provide an additional $3 million a year to the program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

“These programs, they save money, they keep kids out of jail,” said Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL-New Brighton), the bill sponsor. “These programs are amazing.”

The programs provide a variety of services for youth, including literacy and academic assistance, truancy prevention, juvenile justice system diversions and restorative justice, afterschool activities, career exploration and life skills classes, and emergency shelter.

Feist said the YIP grants funded 98 programs this year around the state with another 52 programs not able to get funds.

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Paul Meunier, executive director of Youth Intervention Programs Association, said the programs are so successful because they work with children at the local level.

“The more local it is, the smaller it is, often the bigger the impact,” Meunier said. “We just want to connect with these young people and give them a sense of agency, an idea that they have a place in this world.”

If they can connect with them early it prevents problems down the line.

“It is really just about building a trusting, caring relationship with a young person they often don't have,” he said. “There are so many young people growing up without the support that they need, and we are definitely making progress with the problem.”

Feist agrees.

“These programs happen on that super-local level but they're very structured and they create lasting relationships with these kids. We just need really sustained levels of funding.”