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Sawyer County youth justice staff report improved outcomes for 31 youths; new programming planned for 2026
Summary
Health and human services staff said they tracked 31 youths since 2022 who showed improved outcomes after diversion or youth-justice intervention; staff also described new placements, recent referrals, and a proposed 12‑week family program for 2026.
Sarah, a Health and Human Services staff member overseeing youth justice work, told the Sawyer County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council that a review of referrals since 2022 identified 31 youths whose trajectories improved after the county’s youth‑justice or diversion interventions.
Sarah said referrals have been relatively low this year but noted 11 new youth justice referrals in July. She reported the diversion program had a strong start on early interventions: all youth referred for ten‑day interventions were re‑enrolled in school, signed up for virtual programs, or sent to the Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy. Staff said three youths attended the Challenge Academy; two returned home shortly after arriving and one remained in the program and was continuing to progress.
The county’s approach includes trying the Challenge Academy as a lower‑cost alternative to more expensive residential placements such as Lincoln Hills; staff said the district attorney’s office, represented in the meeting discussion by a participant identified as Bruce, worked with youth‑justice staff to adjust charges in some cases (favoring misdemeanor charges where permissible) so youths could access the Challenge Academy.
Sarah described work to expand services in 2026, including a planned 12‑week family program that would begin with three weeks for caregivers alone followed by nine weeks that include both the caregiver and youth, plus individualized in‑home work and referral to ongoing therapy after the program ends. Staff said they are coordinating with other local partners including Sawyer County CST, Ben Tran (a contractor for LCO referenced by staff), and community organizations to provide wraparound supports.
Council members thanked staff for the work and asked for breakdowns of how many Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) youth were included in the 31‑youth figure; Sarah said she would provide those counts after reviewing files. No formal action was taken; the council received the update for information.
