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Date issued: February 3, 2026 CERTIFIED MAIL Date reissued: March 11, 2026
Thrive Youth Services Sheltonn Lamar Johnson, Authorized Agent 4033 Hollyhock Circle North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443
License Number 1105448 child foster residence setting (CFRS)
AMENDED ORDER TO PAY A FINE FOR
BACKGROUND STUDY VIOLATION(S)
NOTICE: This Amended Fine Order supersedes the Fine Order dated February 3, 2026. This document is amended to correct the name and address of the Authorized Agent. The original Fine Order must be destroyed. Dear Sheltonn Lamar Johnson: Based on the recommendation of Ramsey County Social Services, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is ordering you to pay a fine of $400 for two background study violations. Details of our findings are provided below. Our next steps and your options are also detailed. REASON FOR THE FINE
DHS is issuing this fine order because you did not comply with the following background study requirements: Background Study Violation Determined on July 16, 2025:
When preparing for a licensing review, Ramsey County Social Services determined you did not initiate a background study for two individuals who were affiliated with your child foster residence setting (CFRS), license number 1105448, located at 8281 Red Oak Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112.
Specifically, two controlling individuals did not initiate background studies associated with this license after their Covid studies became invalid.
· CI1 had a cleared COVID study that expired December 31, 2022, and did not have a valid child foster care background study for this license until July 22, 2025.
· CI2 had a cleared COVID study that expired December 31, 2022, and did not have a valid child foster care background study for this license until July 25, 2025.
Statute Violated: Minnesota Statutes, section 245C.04, subdivision 11, clause (4). Fine: $400 Billing and Payment of the Fine
DHS will send you an invoice for the $400 fine. Payment must be made as directed on the invoice. If you request a contested case hearing, as described below, do not pay the fine at this time. Following the contested case hearing, the Commissioner of DHS will issue a final order on this matter. Please note, you may not avoid payment of this fine by closing, selling, or otherwise transferring the license to a third party. If this occurs, each controlling individual is personally and jointly responsible for payment. If you do not pay the fine on or before the date specified on the invoice and you did not request a contested case hearing, as described below, the Commissioner may issue a second fine, may not issue or reissue a license, or may suspend the license until the license holder pays the fine. YOUR RIGHT TO APPEAL
You have the right to appeal the fine. Your request must be in writing and clearly state that you are requesting a contested case hearing for this matter. Your request must be made before the deadlines provided below. If you do not meet this deadline, you lose your right to an administrative appeal. The timeline to appeal began when you received this order. If you are mailing your request, it must be sent by certified mail and postmarked within 10 calendar days from when you receive this order. Please send it to: Commissioner, Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General Legal Counsel’s Office Attention: Licensing Legal Unit PO Box 64953 St. Paul, MN 55164-0953 If your request is being personally delivered, it must be received by DHS within 10 calendar days from when you receive this order. Please bring it to: Commissioner, Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General Legal Counsel’s Office Attention: Licensing Legal Unit 444 Lafayette Road North St. Paul, MN 55155 Upon DHS’ receipt of your timely appeal, your case will be scheduled for a contested case hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. Following this hearing, the Commissioner of DHS will issue a final order. Legal representation at the contested case hearing
You do not need a lawyer to appeal. However, a lawyer can help you with your appeal. The state or county will not get you a lawyer and will not pay for a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to get free legal advice or help with your appeal. To find out if free help is available, contact: Volunteer Lawyers Network at 612-752-6677; Central Minnesota Legal Services at 612-332-8151; Southern Minnesota Legal Services at 651-222-4731; or go to www.lawhelpmn.org to find a local legal services program that may be able to help you. You can also find information on contested cases from the Office of Administrative Hearings website at https://mn.gov/oah/self-help. Click on Administrative Law Overview, then click on Administrative Law Contested Case Hearing Guide for a list of frequently asked questions. Legal authority for this licensing action
· This action is taken under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.07, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), which describes under which conditions DHS may impose a fine against a license.
· DHS shall impose a $200 fine for each background study violation under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (c)(4)(iii).
· Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (c)(5) states that license holders may not avoid payment of a fine by closing, selling, or transferring a license.
· Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.07, subdivision 3, paragraph (c)(2), states that that the license holder shall pay the fine assessed on or before the payment date specified, and if the license holder does not do so the commissioner may issue a second fine or suspend the license until the license holder complies.
· License holders have a right to appeal licensing actions and request a contested case hearing, under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612.
Questions
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, you may contact me at 651-201-5571. Sincerely, 
Tawnya Arueya, Unit Supervisor Licensing Division Office of Inspector General cc: Heather Provo, Ramsey County Social Services
PO Box 64242 • Saint Paul, Minnesota • 55164-0242 • An Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly Employer https://mn.gov/dhs/general-public/licensing/
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