Family Services

Youth justice provides services to address youth behavior and equip youth with competencies to live responsibly and productively while protecting the public.

Delinquency referrals are received from law enforcement agencies on youth aged 10-17 who have violated state or federal criminal codes.

JIPS referrals (Juveniles in Need of Protection and/or Services) involve youth under age 18 who are truant from home or school, uncontrollable at home or under the age of 10 and have committed a delinquent act.

Family services staff will conduct an intake inquiry to learn about the family and make recommendations about the referral to the District Attorney. Youth may be placed under supervision with specific conditions. Appropriate services are identified through assessment and development of a case plan.

When child protective services receive a report of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or emotional damage, a decision is made whether the case should be assessed further. If the case is accepted for assessment, staff will meet with the child and family to determine if further intervention is required to keep children safe.

Assessment sometimes results in referrals to juvenile court, where staff will make recommendations to the court to promote child safety and provide supportive services to the family.

To make a report of child abuse or neglect, contact Health and Human Services at 715-468-4747, Monday through Friday 8:00a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and ask for the access worker. After hours, on weekends and holidays, reports should be made to the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department at 715-468-4700.

Sometimes the Department receives referrals on situations that do not meet criteria for involvement from child protective services or youth justice. These cases may be provided voluntary services by the Department or other resources in the community.

Foster care is 24-hour care provided by licensed individuals to children who cannot live at home because they are unsafe or have special care or treatment needs.

Generally, placement in foster care is temporary and intended to give families time to make necessary changes. The majority of children in foster care return home to their families.

The Department is responsible for recruiting and licensing foster families. Those wishing to open their homes to foster children aged 0-18 may contact the Department at 715-468-4747 and ask for the foster care coordinator.

You may also fill out the application and submit to the Department.

Kinship care is a program to help financially support a child who resides outside of their home with a relative or like-kin resource.