Pine County reports $500K savings in 2024 child protective services budget

The Pine County Board Meeting held on May 6, 2025, addressed several critical issues, including drug overdose rates and child protection updates. The meeting began with a presentation on the current state of drug overdoses in the county, highlighting the concerning trend of fatalities linked to substance abuse. A representative discussed the correlation between the county's population and overdose rates, noting that Pine County's statistics are comparable to those of similar-sized counties. The introduction of a new case management system was also mentioned, which will facilitate real-time data uploads regarding fatal overdoses into OD maps, a tool designed to visualize overdose hotspots within the community.

The discussion emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by methamphetamine use, which remains prevalent in rural Minnesota. The speaker expressed frustration over the high number of overdose deaths in a relatively small population, urging the community to recognize the dangers associated with drug use. The conversation also touched on emerging substances, such as xylazine, and the need for continued testing and monitoring of new drugs entering the market.

Following the drug-related discussions, Becky Fossum, the director of Pine County Health and Human Services, provided an update on child protection and out-of-home placement expenses for 2024. She reported that the department had budgeted over $1.3 million for various services, including Child Protective Services (CPS) and children's mental health. Notably, the county spent under budget in all three major areas for the first time, totaling over $500,000 in savings. This achievement was highlighted as a significant milestone, especially considering past expenditures had exceeded $2 million in some years.

Fossum also presented data indicating a downward trend in out-of-home placements since 2019, attributing this to various factors, including legislative changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that while there was a slight increase in placements in 2022, the overall trajectory has been positive.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for board members to tour the medical examiner's office, emphasizing transparency and community engagement. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to addressing pressing public health issues and improving child welfare services.