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Wadena County human services report flags rising caseloads; board keeps BHU position through 2026
Summary
Wadena County Human Services reported rising child-protection and adult-services caseloads and a waiting list for MN Choice assessments; the board voted to retain a Behavioral Health Unit position for 2026 and include it in the 2027 budget to address growing demand.
Wadena County Human Services presented March casework statistics and a comparative year-end report on April 21, warning the board that increasing referrals could strain current staff levels.
Support Services Supervisor Amie Gendron reported 1,084 open work groups and 177 intakes in March 2026, with Child Protection and Children's Services showing the greatest increase. Human Services & Human Resources Director/Deputy County Administrator Jennifer Westrum told the board the department had a 0% SNAP error rate for calendar year 2025 and that staff are working with fewer people but higher caseloads. Westrum warned, "If these increases continue it will be unsustainable with the current staff levels." She also reported that a waiting list for MN Choice assessments had formed (21 people waiting), affecting access to services such as home care and nursing home placement.
The board approved a motion by Commissioner Bill Stearns to retain a Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) position for the remainder of 2026 and include it in the 2027 budget; the department plans to recoup the position’s costs through case-management revenue. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bryan Winkels and carried unanimously.
Department leadership said first-quarter budget utilization remains within expected limits despite rising demand; however, they signaled continued monitoring and possible future personnel requests if caseloads grow further.
