February 25, 2016 ‘Mr. John A. Klavins, Director Ramsey County Community Corrections 121 7" Place East, Suite 1200 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Via: Email and United States Mail Re: Boys Totem Town (BTT) Dear Mr. Klavins: On behalf of the judges of the Second Judicial District, | write to express our serious concern regarding recent incidents at Boys Totem Town. As you know, on Friday, February 19, 2016, judges were first made aware of a disturbing incident at Boys Totem Town involving 2 contract therapist and at least two students who she helped escape from custody. Apparently that incident happened a week or two earlier and the judges were not informed of the incident until the press began to ask questions. The lack cof communication from probation to the judges regarding that incident is concerning, to say the least. However, since Friday, February 19, 2016, | appreciate your open and frank communication. | also appreciate your willingness to work on a better plan for communication with the bench. ‘The incident regarding the contract therapist and the two students she helped escape from custody is ‘one of three serious events at Boys Totem Town that give the bench cause for concem. The others are the recent death of the young man who was killed in a stolen car after running from Boys Totem Town {and the second degree assault conviction of the young man who ran from Boys Totem Town, stole a neighbor's vehicle, and then tried to run over the neighbor. As you are aware, the Second Judicial District bench had a meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. ‘At that meeting, we discussed continued placement of our youth at Boys Totem Town. | acknowledge that you and I and Ramsey County Manager Julie Kleinschmidt had several discussions about the judges’ concerns. While the communication is appreciated, we feel action is necessary. The judges of the Second Judicial District unanimously decided to no longer send young men from Ramsey County to Boys Totem Town until we are confident that measures are in place to protect the safety of these young men and the public. Our decision is effective immediately, noting that since Friday, February 19, 2016 no new referrals have been made to BTT. You indicated that your staff has met with every young man ‘currently at Boys Totem Town and reached out to their families. Rather than ordering a court hearing ‘and new placements for the young men currently at Boys Totem Town, | understand your staff will report to the sentencing judge on whether any of the young men at BTT will require a different placement.The judges in the Second Judicial District are ready and able to partner with you and your team as Ramsey County makes the changes necessary to continue operating Boys Totem Town. Ata minimum, ‘we expect the following to occur before we resume placing children at Boys Totem Town: * A full and independent investigation into the incident involving Karen A. Meyer + Anunderstanding of BTT’s use of contract therapists ‘+ An understanding of the credentials of contractors and staff working at BTT, including Ms. Meyer ‘+ An understanding of how residents are scheduled for therapy and how that therapy is monitored by other staff ‘+ Areview of the ankle-bracelet protocol for BTT residents and whether that protocol was followed in the instant incident ‘+ Anunderstanding of the county's broader plans to ensure the health and safety of all youth, referred to BTT and the timeline for implementing those plans ‘+ Acommunication plan to advise justice partners as soon as possible when high profile incidents occur at BT ‘Again, we welcome the opportunity to be part of the conversation about recent issues at Boys Totem Town. We appreciate knowing that an independent investigation has begun, the Minnesota Department of Corrections is involved, and an evaluation is underway whether the young men currently placed at Boys Totem Town need to be moved. We urge you and your department in Ramsey County to continue efforts and to expend all necessary resources to protect the young men who are at Boys Totem Town and the community surrounding the facility. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, Very truly yours, Teresa R. Warner Chief Judge, Second Judicial District Cec: Julie Kleinschmidt Meghan Mohs