Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bayfield County family services reports steady CPS referrals, strong screening timeliness
Summary
Family Services Manager Jo Beth Gonzalez told the Bayfield County advisory committee that the county received 134 CPS reports in 2025, with 32 (23%) screened in and a 95.52% timely screening rate—above the 89% timeliness standard; officials noted 19 youth placed out of home and 34 youth-justice referrals.
Jo Beth Gonzalez, Family Services Section Manager for Bayfield County Department of Human Services, reported to the Family & Behavioral Health Services Advisory Committee that the county received 134 child protective services reports in 2025. Of those reports, 32 (23%) were screened in for further response and 102 were screened out.
Gonzalez said county screening timeliness for required state response windows was 95.52% in 2025, above the 89% benchmark she noted as the standard for timeliness. Bayfield County’s most common response timeframe is within five days, Gonzalez told the committee.
Gonzalez reviewed comparative data for neighboring counties, saying Ashland and Iron Counties provide context; she said Iron County’s statistics align more closely with Bayfield’s given population size. The report also showed 19 youth placed out of home in Bayfield County during the year. Youth-justice statistics on the handout showed 34 referrals affecting 22 youth.
Tom Croteau, Behavioral Health and Community Services Manager, told the committee that the state technical lead from the Department of Children and Families acknowledged Bayfield County’s timely completion of required work despite recent staff turnover, and he commended Gonzalez and her team for their efforts.
During the meeting the committee approved the Oct. 8, 2025 minutes on a motion from Bev Patterson and a second from Bev Lindell; minutes were later recorded as approved at the April 8, 2026 FBHSAC meeting. The committee set its 2026 meeting dates and adjourned at 10:34 a.m.
Why it matters: Timely screening and response to child-protection reports are tied to state performance measures and can affect eligibility for certain program supports and technical assistance. The committee’s discussion highlighted both the county’s performance on timeliness and ongoing pressures from child-welfare caseloads.
Next steps: The committee’s next scheduled meeting is April 8, 2026.
