A Minnesota youth psychiatric facility that narrowly avoided a temporary shutdown this summer is not currently serving any children, its operator confirmed to Alpha News, even though state licensing records list the program as active.
Nexus Family Healing disclosed the facility’s current status while responding to Alpha News’ questions about an Aug. 12 correction order issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Services — the latest in a series of state enforcement actions against the East Bethel facility.
“We are not currently serving youth at the East Bethel facility,” Nexus told Alpha News. “We are taking this opportunity to review our structures and policies, infusing new ideas to ensure we are providing the highest quality of care and safety for the youth served at this facility.”
Nexus did not provide a timeline for when it expects children to return to the facility.
Staff reported calls for help went unanswered
The Minnesota Department of Human Services issued the correction order Aug. 12 to Nexus East Bethel Family Healing, citing concerns about staff members’ ability to get additional help while responding to youth in crisis.
According to the order, the noted violation states that “on multiple occasions staff persons called for the assistance of other staff persons to help with youth but ‘no one answered,’ and/or there were not enough staff persons at the facility available to help.”
Nexus, however, disputes that the facility was understaffed.
“We were within mandatory staffing levels and we were in compliance,” the organization told Alpha News. “Staff were asking for additional assistance with a youth and additional staff were not available to respond at the moment.”
Nexus also emphasized that the Aug. 12 order does not stem from a new incident at the facility.
“Very important to note: this correction order is specific to DHS’s investigation of East Bethel related to the June 15 temporary suspension (which as you know, was lifted),” Nexus said. “This is not related to any new or current incident.”
The organization said correction orders are not contested and that it works with DHS to develop corrective plans.
“A correction order is issued by DHS with the purpose of providing direction to operating facilities to ensure that a corrective action is taken,” Nexus said. “Correction orders are not contested. We work with DHS to develop a plan, which will be implemented when we reopen.”
DHS previously ordered facility suspended
Alpha News previously reported that DHS issued a temporary immediate suspension of the East Bethel facility in May, citing what regulators described as an “imminent risk of harm” to children.
The state cited a series of concerns involving residents’ rights, reporting of suspected maltreatment, medication practices, supervision and responses to youth in crisis.
The suspension was scheduled to take effect in June, but Nexus and DHS subsequently reached a settlement that lifted the order and permitted the facility to resume operations under conditions.
It is unclear whether East Bethel actually resumed serving youth after the suspension was lifted.
Millions in taxpayer dollars tied to Nexus operations
Nexus Family Healing has substantial financial ties to taxpayer-funded youth services in Minnesota.
Nexus’ CEO, Michelle Murray, received more than $600,000 in compensation in 2024.
The nonprofit also operates Hennepin County’s Youth Stabilization Center in Minneapolis under a contract worth roughly $7 million annually for three years — a potential $21 million commitment. Hennepin County additionally invested approximately $20 million to build the facility.
County officials previously said they increased scrutiny of Nexus following the East Bethel suspension. The Minneapolis facility operates under a separate license and has not been affected by the East Bethel enforcement actions.
DHS licensing records show the East Bethel site has faced multiple correction orders, fines and maltreatment investigations dating to 2024.
“We look forward to welcoming youth back to East Bethel,” Nexus said.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
