DYS: Child welfare cases increase by 16% in 2024

Child welfare cases increased by 16% from 459 cases in 2023 to 534 cases in 2024, according to Division of Youth Services administrator Vivian Sablan during a media conference held yesterday at the DYS Center on Capitol Hill.

The 534 cases in 2024 involves 1,459 children.

The case distribution of the child welfare cases in 2024 is 508 on Saipan involving 1,400 children, nine on Tinian involving 19 children, and 17 cases on Rota with 40 children involved.

Sablan added that the number of drug-related cases involving newborns has also increased from 24 cases in 2023 to 40 cases in 2024. While domestic violence cases rose from 25 in 2023 to 41 in 2024.

According to Sablan, a lot of reports are coming from the Department of Public Safety.

“After all the investigation is completed, it’s forwarded to the agent’s office. The heavy load is on us because that’s where the case management services come in, a lot of monitoring…just to kind of paint a picture of the case management services that we have. So, from the moment we intervene, we’re very much involved unlike DPS, they can come in and investigate them for the report then [submit them to] the agent’s office. So, we deal with lives, so we can take it from the start with ongoing monetary [issues], and on that process, we carry out those to case management services,” said Sablan.

The case workers assess families’ parenting abilities and remove children from unsafe environments, according to DYS Child Protective Services acting supervisor for Mariah Barcinas.

Sablan also explained the procedure for infants being tested positive for meth.

“When we’re notified, we want to make sure that we intervene right away because usually they’re breastfed. So, the baby is positive, the mom is positive, so we want to make sure that we provide a safe placement. A lot of times, for immediate placement, we have an emergency shelter while waiting to see if we can do a family placement. So, all these assessments are ongoing from the beginning,” said Sablan.

She said an emergency shelter is provided while assessments are conducted to determine the best placement option, including family placement.

Barcinas also discussed the increased accessibility and affordability of methamphetamine, wherein now it only costs as low as $20. She said individuals are obtaining it from family members and acquaintances. She said there are even cases where drugs were found hidden in M&M containers.

This is a testament to case workers being vigilant in detecting hidden drugs, she said.

Barcinas added that they work closely with the Attorney General’s Office and the Family Court to address the root causes of child welfare issues.

Sablan also provided an overview of the federally funded Child Welfare Service wherein the organization operates a 24/7 emergency shelter for children removed from their homes.

She said DYS also runs a long-term foster care program and a juvenile probation program and the main prevention programs include youth centers and community centers.

Sablan said various departments and programs collaborate to support families, with a focus on long-term processes and court involvement.

“The data informs progress and identifies areas for growth, ensuring safety and well-being. Community support, including media partners, are essential in creating a safer environment,” she said.