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CPS reports 263 referrals in 2025; county notes transport distances and potential recoupment options
Summary
Sawyer County HHS reported 263 CPS reports in 2025 with 96 screened in; 15 removals (14 unique children) averaged 59 miles for out-of-home placements. Staff said they will coordinate with county fiscal to pursue liens/recoupment for certain placements and track Chapter 55/50 costs.
County child-protective-services staff presented a 2025 overview Feb. 10, reporting 263 referrals received and 96 cases screened in for investigation.
"We received 263 reports and we screened in 96 of those," the presenter said. The report showed 15 removals in 2025 (14 unique children and one child removed twice) and an average placement distance of 59 miles for out-of-home placements, a burden that increases staff travel time and complicates family contact in the rural county.
Staff reported 17 children or cases with repeat events and highlighted trends in reasons for removals, including behavior problems and neglect. On discharges, 15 children were discharged with 17 discharge events; nine cases ended in reunification.
The administrator told the board the next step is to work with county fiscal to ensure the department is recouping funds where eligible, citing Chapter 55 placements as potentially recoverable and noting Chapter 50 placements are harder to recoup when they become commitments.
Separately, staff raised a policy issue about records and confidentiality when criminal-side public records may inadvertently identify children; the department said it will coordinate with records staff and law enforcement to explore redaction or sealing where appropriate.
The board did not adopt new policy at the meeting but directed staff to follow up with county fiscal and to continue tracking out-of-home costs and placement options.
