DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With Life Development Resources For Juvenile Services Center Therapeutic Services
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of contract with Life Development Resources (LDR) for Juvenile Services Center (JSC) therapeutic services.
SUMMARY
Dakota County Community Corrections has contracted for therapeutic services for juveniles at the JSC for many years. Youth who receive therapeutic services while at the JSC often gain tools to understand their emotions, behavior, and past trauma. These supports can help them build healthier coping skills and make better decisions when they return to their communities. As a result, they are more likely to experience personal growth, reduce future involvement in the justice system, and move toward a more stable and positive future.
Life Development Resources (LDR) will provide therapeutic services to address the complex mental health needs of youth in the JSC. LDR will provide Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) services, both individual and group, and ensure that services received by the target population through this contract are delivered in a manner that is supported by research and adapted to a cultural context within the scope of the model.
OUTCOMES
How Much? The average cost per JSC funded client serviced by LDR is $3,477.
How Many? In 2025, LDR served 46 total clients, 31 of which were fully funded by levy. The remaining 15 clients were funded by insurance, medical assistance, and partially by levy. LDR conducted 859 individual therapy sessions and 688 group sessions, with 907 ancillary hours.
Who Is Better Off? Youth who receive therapeutic services while at the JSC often gain tools to understand their emotions, behavior, and past trauma. These supports can help them build healthier coping skills and make better decisions when they return to their communities. As a result, they are more likely to experience personal growth, reduce future involvement in the justice system, and move toward a more stable and positive future.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends executing a contract with LDR for therapeutic services for the JSC for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $282,000.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
This contract is funded by levy and is included in the 2026 Community Corrections Budget and will be included in the 2027 County Manager’s Recommended Budget. The contract shall contain a provision that allows the County to immediately terminate the contract in the event sufficient funds from county, state, or federal sources are not appropriated at a level sufficient to allow payment of the amount due.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, Dakota County Community Corrections has contracted for therapeutic services for juveniles at the Juvenile Service Center (JSC) for many years; and
WHEREAS, youth who receive therapeutic services while at the JSC often gain tools to understand their emotions, behavior, and past trauma; and
WHEREAS, these supports can help them build healthier coping skills and make better decisions when they return to their communities; and
WHEREAS, as a result, they are more likely to experience personal growth, reduce future involvement in the justice system, and move toward a more stable and positive future; and
WHEREAS, Life Development Resources (LDR) will provide therapeutic services to address the complex mental health needs of youth in the JSC; and
WHEREAS, LDR will provide Dialectical Behavioral Therapy services, both individual and group, and ensure that services received by the target population through this contract are delivered in a manner that is supported by research and adapted to a cultural context within the scope of the model; and
WHEREAS, staff is requesting authorization to execute a contract for JSC therapeutic services with LDR in an amount not to exceed $282,000 for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes an Assistant County Manager, Community Services, to execute a contract for Juvenile Services Center therapeutic services with Life Development Resources in an amount not to exceed $282,000 for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Assistant County Manager, Community Services, is hereby authorized to amend said contract, consistent with the amount budgeted, to alter the contract amount and the contract term up to one year after initial expiration date, consistent with County contracting policies, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the contract shall contain a provision that allows the County to immediately terminate the contract in the event sufficient funds from county, state, or federal sources are not appropriated at a level sufficient to allow payment of the amount due.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Suwana Kirkland
Author: Danielle McNamara