Social Services

PO Box 250
304 2nd Street
Shell Lake WI 54871

(715) 468-4747
Fax: (715) 468-4753
humanser@co.washburn.wi.us

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Current News

Information & Services

Mental Health & Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Unit

Youth and Family Services

Services provided to support children and families by identifying, preventing and resolving conditions which may contribute toward delinquency, maltreatment, truancy, uncontrollability or a special need for services that the parent/guardian may not be able to provide. The focus is to assist families to become self sufficient in an environment that provides for safety.

For the provision of services, an assessment is conducted to determine the most appropriate resources.

Services areas include:

Additional Services include:

Juvenile Court Intake Services:

The goal of Juvenile Court Intake Services is to address the behavior by holding the juvenile accountable and equip the youth with competencies to live responsibly and productively while protecting the public. Services are provided to the youth and family.

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

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

The Juvenile Court Intake Worker will screen the referrals by conducting an Intake Inquiry Meeting and making a recommendation to the District Attorney. Supervision with specific conditions may be provided under a deferred prosecution agreement or by court order. Services will be identified by completing an assessment and developing a case plan. Focus is given to redirect the juvenile's behavior. Workers continue with cases focusing on community protection, accountability and rehabilitation. Victim’s rights are also complied with.


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Child ProtectiveServices:

When a Child Protective Services Referral is received, the information is reviewed to determine the appropriate response. Initial responses may include referrals to community based services or a more in depth family assessment where family conditions, circumstances and behaviors are assessed to determine if families need agency intervention in order to keep their children safe. Services if needed are coordinated with the family and other agencies focusing on protection of the child and enhancing the ability of the family to function as a responsible nurturing unit. Services may be voluntary or court ordered.

If you wish to make a report or have questions please call the agency at 715-468-4747, Monday through Friday 8:00a.m. - 4:30 p.m. After hours, on weekends and holidays, you may contact the Washburn County Sheriff’s Department at 715-468-4700. The names of reporters for child abuse and neglect are kept confidential.


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Child Welfare Services:

Child Welfare Services include referrals on family situations where there may be concerns that do not meet the criteria for services from Child Protection or Juvenile Court Intake. Services may be provided by the agency or referred to community resources.


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Children's Long Term Care:

Services for children with severe disabilities include: Birth to Three; Family Support; Children’s Waivers and Coordinated Service Teams.

Children with disabilities that occur during their developmental period frequently have severe impairments that are likely to continue indefinitely; and often require lifelong services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance. Community based waiver programs help families support and maintain children with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, severe emotional disturbances or autism in their own homes. Services are individually designed to help support the child and family and to promote health, safety, participation and independence in the home and community. Children need the opportunity to live, learn, and participate in all aspects of community life.


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Foster Home Coordination:

Foster care is 24-hour care provided by licensed foster parents for children who cannot live with their parents because they are unsafe, have special care or treatment needs, or other circumstances exist that result in children unable to remain in their home.

Generally, placement in foster care is temporary and intended to give families time to make necessary changes so that the child can live safely in his or her home and community. Most children in foster care return home to their families.

The agency is responsible to recruit and license foster families. Those wishing to open their homes to foster children aged 0-18 may contact the agency to get further information on becoming licensed. Financial and emotional support is provided to foster parents in addition to specialized training.


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Kinship Care:

This purpose of this program is to help support a child who resides with a relative when the child is unable to live in their own home. Relatives become certified and support is provided to assist them in caring for their kin.


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