Minnesota Department of Corrections

11/11/2026

Today, we honor the men and woman who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

We are especially grateful for veterans who are part of the Minnesota Department of Corrections. They bring valuable experience, leadership, and a commitment to service to the work of the agency every day.

To all veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice. We are grateful for all you have given to our country.

11/09/2026

Staff from the DOC’s Health, Recovery and Programming division recently attended the Spark Training Jail Summit in Rochester on Oct. 15.

The event brought together correctional professionals to explore topics including jail operations, correctional healthcare, behavioral health, su***de prevention, medication-assisted treatment practices, legal issues, and staff wellness.

Led by experienced professionals in the corrections field, the summit provided valuable training, networking opportunities, and practical strategies to strengthen facility operations and better serve individuals in our care.

Investing in professional development helps ensure DOC staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to support safety, rehabilitation, and positive outcomes.

11/06/2026

An important resource is on the horizon for those returning to their communities after incarceration. Minnesota is a step closer to helping people who are incarcerated access Medicaid for behavioral health services. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Minnesota’s waiver request for the 1115 Reentry Demonstration.

The Department of Corrections, MN Department of Human Services, and partners will work together to finalize an implementation plan for this important initiative. Pending federal approval of that plan, individuals at selected sites could begin receiving pre‑release services in 2028.

Learn more:

Minnesota is planning a new initiative that will allow people who are incarcerated to access Medicaid for services treating behavioral health and chronic medical conditions in the months leading up to, and after, their release.

11/02/2026

MCF-St. Cloud celebrated 36 graduates for reaching significant educational milestones October 28.

The ceremony honored the hard work and perseverance of these students, including an individual who earned a Minnesota State Barber license.

Since April, 82 students have earned educational credentials. These accomplishments represent countless hours of dedication, determination, and personal growth.

The theme of this year's ceremony, "Next Steps," focused on the graduates’ journeys to earn their credentials and the opportunities that lie ahead. Speakers included Education Director Rachel Wexelbaum, Director of Secondary Education Shauna Bock, and Associate Warden of Operations Sarah Rykken.

Graduate Manuel Cobayashi shared his inspiring story of perseverance, detailing his journey from the streets of Mexico to earning both his GED and high school diploma. Mentor Jerry Westrom, who also tutors for Adult Basic Education at St. Cloud, spoke about the transformational experiences that he and several Adult Basic Education students had while working on their academic goals.

Congratulations to all of our graduates as they take the next steps toward their goals and brighter futures.

10/30/2026

A year into operating an Earned Living Unit (ELU) at MCF-Stillwater, those who live and work there are seeing impressive results.

“With the announcement and the changeover, it's kind of like night and day,” Warden Bill Bolin told KARE 11 news. “This is probably the largest earned living unit that we probably have in the U.S.”

Those who live in the Earned Living Unit are praising this transformative program. They pride themselves on holding each other accountable and working to better their community – both inside and outside of prison.

Brandon Cox and Jermaine Ferguson chronicled the ELU’s success in their book, “It Just Works” which was recently featured in a KARE 11 story.

Learn more:

When plans to close Minnesota Correctional Facility Stillwater were announced last year, the ability to have a different type of prison unit emerged.

10/26/2026

Twenty-two individuals at MCF–Lino Lakes successfully completed the Prison Fellowship Academy on September 24.

The yearlong Academy program, offered in select correctional facilities nationwide, is designed to address the key factors that contribute to criminal behavior and recidivism. The curriculum emphasizes character development, pro‑social decision-making, and the cultivation of moral values.

Open to participants of all faith backgrounds, the program is delivered by trained staff and volunteers and reflects a commitment to evidence‑based rehabilitation. Through its partnership with the DOC, Prison Fellowship supports a more constructive and restorative environment within the facility and enhances participants’ readiness for reentry.

Congratulations to the graduates on this significant achievement.

10/23/2026

The DOC’s Reentry Workforce Development Team was proud to partner with City of Duluth Workforce Development, CareerForce, DEED, and True North Goodwill to host Duluth’s first-ever Fair Chance Job Fair on September 30.

More than 200 job seekers attended, connecting with 11 Fair Chance Employers and 6 community partners who want to expand employment opportunities for justice-impacted Minnesotans.

This location usually welcomes around 40 job seekers at its monthly job fairs, so seeing 5 times the usual attendance highlights the strong interest in Fair Chance employment. The League of Women Voters also made a big impact, registering 19 new voters and providing QR code information to another 12 attendees.

Events like this directly support the DOC’s goal to expand employment opportunities statewide by building accessible, community-centered pathways to stable, meaningful work.

Thank you to all partners and participants for helping make this event a success and for supporting Fair Chance employment in Minnesota.

10/19/2026

The MCF‑Shakopee Restorative Justice (RJ) Council recently purchased and donated five trees to help restore the natural beauty of the facility and create a more peaceful environment for everyone who lives and works here.

Over the years, many trees have been lost due to storms and disease. By planting new ones, RJ participants are giving back in a meaningful & lasting way. These trees will provide shade, support wildlife, improve air quality, and serve as symbols of growth, renewal, and community healing.

This effort brought together the RJ Council, the Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP), and facility staff.

• 2 River Birch trees were planted near the facility entrance
• 3 more trees—American Hornbeam and Heritage River Birch—were planted inside the perimeter to replace previously removed trees.

Kinnikinnic, a traditional North American Indigenous smoking mixture made from dried leaves, barks, and plants rather than commercial to***co, was placed into each planting hole as an offering of gratitude. And in a beautiful moment of symbolism, a bald eagle flew overhead during the first planting.

This project reflects what Restorative Justice is all about—repairing harm, giving back, and strengthening community.

10/12/2026

On September 22, MCF–Lino Lakes proudly honored students during a Celebration of Adult Education Achievement & Awards ceremony. This year’s theme, “The Rising of the Phoenix,” recognized the determination, resilience, and growth shown by every learner.

The ceremony featured 44 high school graduates and 22 GED graduates.

Speakers included Shauna Bock, Director of Secondary Education, and keynote speaker Paul Strong, Instructor and Coach.

Congratulations to all graduates! Your hard work is paving the way for brighter futures.

10/09/2026

Over the past two years, the DOC and Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) have partnered to bring secure, education‑focused laptops to Minnesota’s correctional classrooms. The new laptops offer enhanced keystroke logging and screen‑capture features that provide real‑time visibility into student activity—strengthening both learning and security.

Following a successful pilot at MCF‑Shakopee, there have not been any critical security events throughout the first full year of use. Laptops are now in use at MCF‑Faribault, MCF‑Lino Lakes, and MCF‑Stillwater for Fall 2026 post‑secondary courses and may be expanded to other facilities.

This project represents collaboration across MNIT, DOC’s Teaching & Learning, the DOC’s Office of Special Investigations, facility staff, and DOC leadership—and it’s now drawing attention from other states. MNIT recently showcased the devices to the Connecticut DOC and joined a Correctional Technology Association panel on emerging technologies in correctional education.