Press Release: Jefferson County Human Services Announces Updated Children in Crisis Response Guide at Re-Signing Ceremony
October 14, 2026
JEFFERSON, Wis. — Jefferson County Human Services is proud to announce the re-signing of the updated Children In Crisis Best Practices Response Guide, marking a continued commitment to protecting the county’s most vulnerable children. The ceremony took place on October 14, 2026.
Jefferson County was first introduced to the concept of a Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Response & Protocol in 2017. The core challenge in addressing the needs of drug endangered children lies in identifying those at risk and coordinating the multiple systems responsible for intervention and support. To address this need, the County formed a multidisciplinary Committee in 2018. By 2019, Jefferson County Human Services and its community partners had engaged in a series of meetings and trainings to strengthen collaboration and standardize practices.
Through this work, the Committee expanded the scope of its efforts and established the Children In Crisis Best Practices Response Guide. This guide supports children affected not only by drugs, but by all forms of abuse and neglect, including exposure to domestic violence and child sex trafficking. In July 2019, Jefferson County was officially recognized as a DEC County at the State and National DEC Conference, followed by the signing of the original Guide in October 2019.
Human Services Division Manager Laura Wagner emphasized the significance of the Committee’s early achievements, noting, “Within just the first two years, our Committee accomplished outstanding work. Our Response Guide ensures we are not only identifying and reporting cases consistently but responding effectively. Timely intervention saves lives by ensuring protection, treatment, and support for these children and families.”
Since then, Committee co-chairs Noelle Misci and Abbey Morrison have led the majority of this work, including updating the Response Guide, providing community education, and facilitating quarterly multidisciplinary team meetings to strengthen consistent and coordinated response efforts. Heidi Gerth, Intake Unit Manager and former Committee co-chair, played a key role in developing the original Response Guide and continues to offer valuable support through implementation, oversight,
and ongoing development. Reflecting on the team’s efforts, Gerth noted, “Abbey and Noelle have put so much work into the edits and re-signing, and the day is here. It is a wonderful showing of partnership within Jefferson County.”
In his remarks at today’s re-signing ceremony, Human Services Director Brent Ruehlow reflected on the origins and purpose of the initiative, stating, “Once the idea was brought to the table, it instantly made sense to formalize and bring together all of the committed groups across the County who equally cared about doing what is right for children. Building off these pre-existing relationships for a single focus around Children in Crisis was the perfect NorthStar.”
Committee co-chair Noelle Misci added, “We’re glad to see all of this turnout in support of the Children in Crisis guide. The purpose of the guide is to work together towards child safety, bringing people together into the same room to collaborate, and that’s what we’re doing here today. It’s great to have so many people show up and show their support for that.”
Co-chair Abbey Morrison echoed this emphasis on collaboration, noting, “Jefferson County works hard to ensure we are working together, as we all know that’s what works best for families and children.” Neglect remains the most commonly reported and investigated form of child maltreatment in Jefferson County. Data shows that parental drug and alcohol use is the leading cause of neglect and unsafe conditions for children. Approximately one-third (33%) of Child Protective Services (CPS) interventions involve allegations of parental substance abuse or child exposure to controlled substances.
These cases often require close collaboration among law enforcement, schools, legal entities, medical providers, and Human Services. The 2019 establishment of the Children In Crisis Best Practices Response Guide strengthened these partnerships, particularly between CPS Workers and the Jefferson County Drug Task Force. Their joint efforts have enhanced training, awareness, and shared understanding of emerging drug trends affecting local families.
The updated Response Guide and re-signing ceremony reaffirm Jefferson County’s dedication to early identification, coordinated investigation, safety assessment, and supportive services for children and families in crisis. Representatives from Jefferson County Human Services, local and county law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, Child Advocacy Centers, medical providers, the Drug Task Force, New Beginnings APFV, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Corporation Counsel, and Jefferson County school districts have agreed to carry out the provisions in this protocol.
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