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County adopts 2025–2026 Truancy Intervention Collaborative Response to prioritize early intervention
Summary
Cass County approved a joint 2025–2026 Truancy Intervention Collaborative Response presented by HHVS, probation and the county attorney, shifting emphasis to early intervention over court petitions and detentions and dedicating county resources to reduce youth involvement in the justice system.
The Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2025–2026 Truancy Intervention Collaborative Response during its Feb. 3 meeting.
HHVS Director Brian Buhmann, Probation Director Jim Schneider, Probation Officer Tim Haug and County Attorney Ben Lindstrom presented the updated policy, which they said aligns with recent statutory changes and prioritizes early intervention in collaboration with local schools. Buhmann told the Board the approach is intended to keep students out of the justice system and reduce petitions to juvenile court.
Board discussion noted that the policy has evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic and that participation from schools, county departments and the courts has increased. Commissioner Rick Haaland moved to approve the policy and Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The minutes record that the policy dedicates county resources to the initiative and emphasizes thorough documentation for both statutory compliance and student outcomes. The record does not specify individual case thresholds or new funding levels beyond the Board's approval of the program policy.
