Youth diversion program reports uptick in July referrals; schools engaged in outreach

A youth-justice staff member told the Sawyer County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council on Sept. 10 that July was a busy month with 11 referrals, up from a handful earlier in the summer.

Council members said diversion staff — identified in the meeting as Melinda — have been working closely with school faculty and administrators to re-enroll students and address truancy, often contacting families and coordinating supports to get students back to class before the school year began.

Why it matters: Council members said early reengagement and close contact between diversion staff and schools reduced truancy risk and helped several students who had previously dropped out or missed multiple sessions to return to school.

Program status

The council said diversion is “up and running” and already fielding family calls for help — for example, parents calling to explain a missed bus or request assistance. Members reported positive results from early outreach, and said they expect to bring program metrics to future meetings.

Ending

Members asked staff to continue monitoring outcomes and return with caseload and outcome numbers at the next meeting.