Bayfield County board hears CLTS overview; file review score 91.6% and staffing gaps noted

Hayley Weyers, Family Services staff, presented an overview of the Wisconsin Children’s Long‑Term Support (CLTS) program at the Bayfield County Human Services Board meeting on May 28, 2026, explaining that CLTS is a Medicaid‑funded, home‑and‑community‑based waiver that helps children with developmental, physical or emotional disabilities remain at home and in their communities. She said CLTS uses a team‑based, family‑centered approach and relies on Support and Service Coordinators to guide families from application through service planning.

Weyers told the board that children and youth under 22 may be eligible if they meet functional and financial criteria, and that a functional screening process examines activities of daily living (for example, eating, mobility and communication). She said CLTS allows counties to use Medicaid funds for a wide range of supports and listed five service categories: support services; teaching and skills development; management and coordination; physical aids; and housing‑related services. Weyers said counties provide continuous enrollment so families can access support without long waits and distributed program handouts to board members.

Board members asked several questions. Jeff Holte asked how referrals occur; Weyers said referrals come from family members, other county or community programs and medical providers. Sue Rosa asked what caregiver supports exist; Weyers said training and respite opportunities are offered but are underused because the county has difficulty recruiting respite workers. Milanowski asked about transitions when participants age out; Weyers said eligible individuals can transfer to the ADRC and that CLTS supports continue through a participant’s 22nd birthday. Chair Jim Crandall asked about average costs; Weyers said she did not know an average range but estimated about half of cases are “high‑cost.”

Weyers also reported that CLTS in Bayfield County is handling four new referrals in addition to 62 enrolled cases, and that the county recently received an initial CLTS annual file review score of 91.6%. She noted the county will attend an upcoming administrative law judge hearing related to a family appeal of an eligibility or service decision.

The presentation included guidance on spotting and reporting fraud through quarterly teleconferences with the state. Board discussion underscored workforce constraints in the county: Weyers said all four CLTS workers are trained as functional screeners, and that four CCS staff are also able to perform screening duties. The board did not take further action on CLTS during the meeting; Weyers and staff will continue program operations and follow up on referrals and staffing needs.