Mesabi Academy Investigation

A four-part series with exclusive data analysis about a northern Minnesota juvenile corrections facility published and broadcast throughout May 2016. The owners closed the operation two months after the first story.

State, county and federal supervision didn't convey worry about Mesabi Academy

by Curtis Gilbert and Tom Scheck

A flawed, confused system prevents judges, social services officials and guardians from discovering critical information about the condition of the residential treatment facilities regulated by the Department of Corrections. Mesabi Academy, scheduled to close next month, is a case study. Since opening in 1998, the juvenile correctional facility had been seen as a reliable jobs provider, receiving subsidies from government and tens of millions of dollars in loans from its parent. But attempts to sustain the business may have compromised resident and worker safety.

Incidents and complaints at Minnesota DOC juvenile centers

by Will Craft

Minnesota's Department of Corrections tracks reports about the 60-plus juvenile residential treatment centers it licenses. But it does little to disseminate that information. APM Reports obtained the data about what the department calls incidents and complaints for 2009 to March 2016 and sorted it in this searchable table.

Closure of juvenile center reveals Minnesota's lack of adequate treatment

by Curtis Gilbert and Tom Scheck

The decision to close Mesabi Academy raises short-term questions about where troubled boys will be sent but also longer-range questions about whether the state's system is sufficient.

Claims of maltreatment, meager staff training and inadequate programs at Mesabi Academy

by Curtis Gilbert and Tom Scheck

Interviews and records indicate troubling incidents and practices. Twin Cities counties are looking more closely at a facility where they've sent boys who need help.

Mesabi Academy operates in a former high school.

Private juvenile center conceals abuse inquiries and pressures county to keep its business deal

by Curtis Gilbert and Tom Scheck

On the Iron Range, investigations have created tension between Mesabi Academy and St. Louis County. Job loss, though, was the main concern when county commissioners discouraged a health and human services leader from ending a critical contract with the company.