Sawyer County HHS: CPS caseload rises; staff flag youth alcohol use and truancy concerns

Child protective services staff told the Sawyer County Health & Human Services committee on Nov. 3 that referrals have risen this year and that county programs are adjusting to higher demand.

Staff reported 27 children in out-of-home care as of Nov. 1: 18 in foster care, five in residential placement, three in institutions and one in a group home. From Jan.–Sept. 2024 the department received 172 CPS reports; for Jan.–Sept. 2025 it reported 204.

Committee members and juvenile-justice staff said they are seeing an increase in alcohol use among younger teens and that alcohol is often present alongside other substances. A juvenile-services speaker noted the county’s ankle-monitoring devices now detect alcohol, and the issue will be discussed at the Prevention Coalition.

The committee reviewed diversion and attendance programming that seeks to reduce truancy. Staff said approximately 32 participants remain in diversion-like programs and that incentives such as gift cards and gas cards are paid from grant funds through 2026; staff warned the county will need outside donations or new funding after grant expiration.

No formal policy changes were approved at the meeting; staff asked the committee to continue monitoring caseloads and prevention efforts and to coordinate with tribal partners and school districts.