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Sawyer County diversion program reports early success; committee schedules Tall Cop presentation amid weapons concerns
Summary
The county's juvenile diversion worker reported improved school attendance among diverted youth and a suite of grant‑funded incentives; the committee also announced a Tall Cop presentation Nov. 12 and discussed an uptick in weapons and gang activity.
The Sawyer County juvenile diversion program reported early positive results to the Health and Human Services committee on Oct. 7, and staff announced a four‑hour Tall Cop community presentation planned for Nov. 12.
Sarah, the county diversion worker, said the program has engaged about 32 youths with seven additional intakes pending and reported immediate gains in school attendance among participants. Staff said of the diversion referrals received since school started, 15 youths previously described as habitually truant are now attending school 100 percent of the time; other participants show partial attendance gains.
The diversion program funds incentives through grants; staff described individualized incentives such as restaurant gift cards, phone chargers and monthly recognition awards. The program is also using mid‑year and end‑of‑year drawings (for example $100 gift cards) to promote participation, and staff said incentives and program activity are paid through grant funds rather than county general funds.
The committee approved outreach for a Tall Cop presentation (a vendor that educates schools and stakeholders about novel drugs, vaping and disguised products) that will target schools, law enforcement and community stakeholders and will be held at LCO University if scheduling permits. Staff said the presentation will focus on substances and devices that can be obtained at convenience stores and disguised as everyday items and emphasized prevention messaging for schools and parents.
Members also discussed an increase in illegal guns and gang‑related activity in the community; staff said a meeting with local law enforcement, the district attorney and county staff is scheduled next week to discuss immediate steps to address weapons in the juvenile population.
Why it matters: Early diversion success can reduce juvenile court involvement and long‑term out‑of‑home placements; prevention presentations and cross‑sector coordination are intended to curb substance access and weaponization among youth.
Supporting details: diversion referrals since January–June totaled 11 and an additional eight were received after school started; staff listed incentive examples and described plans for parent and family programming delivered through grant partnerships.
