THE Division of Youth Services on Wednesday released data from the first through third quarters of fiscal year 2025, showing a continued rise in child abuse and neglect cases across the Commonwealth.
DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan emphasized the agency’s commitment to child welfare, stating that DYS “continues to lead the charge in protecting children across the NMI.”
As of June 30, 2025, DYS was tracking 677 child abuse and neglect cases involving 1,837 children on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian — based on data from the first three quarters of FY 2025, which began on Oct. 1, 2024.
The reported cases span a wide range of allegations, from sexual and physical abuse to emotional neglect, educational neglect, and exposure to drug use. Sablan said Child Protective Services or CPS caseworkers are “on the ground every day following through on every call, every report, every child,” as the agency continues its mission under the national child welfare theme: “Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change.”
Saipan cases
On Saipan alone, there were 645 reported cases involving 1,764 children. Sablan said CPS caseworkers responded to both new reports and ongoing investigations. These cases represent an increase over previous years.
DYS data reflects a consistent rise in child abuse and neglect over the last five years:
FY 2021: 285 cases involving 863 children
FY 2022: 345 cases involving 956 children
FY 2023: 438 cases involving 1,152 children
FY 2024: 509 cases involving 1,429 children
As in prior years, the FY 2025 numbers include a wide range of complex and overlapping allegations, highlighting the evolving challenges facing CNMI families.
Key allegations in FY 2025 so far
According to DYS, reported allegations across the islands include:
132 cases of physical abuse
87 cases of sexual abuse
69 cases involving drug-endangered children
1 report of a mother testing positive for methamphetamine during pregnancy
2 cases involving mothers testing positive at birth
11 newborns who tested positive for methamphetamine at birth
4 reports of teen dating violence
1 case of voyeurism
385 cases of emotional abuse
224 cases of emotional neglect
133 cases of physical neglect
86 cases of educational neglect
77 cases related to domestic violence
22 cases of medical neglect
In addition, CPS is also responding to reports involving teen pregnancy, wellness checks, family conflict, and other non-criminal concerns that still require intervention and monitoring.
Rota and Tinian reports
On Rota, there were 19 cases involving 45 children, including:
4 cases of educational neglect
2 cases of physical abuse
3 cases of domestic violence
2 cases of sexual abuse
Other reports on Rota included cases involving teen pregnancy, wellness checks, and custody-related support.
On Tinian, 13 cases involving 28 children were reported. These included:
2 cases of physical abuse
1 case of teen pregnancy
6 cases of educational neglect and related support services
Like those on Rota and Saipan, Tinian’s reports also include new and ongoing cases requiring both intervention and proactive services to stabilize families.
Every case is more than just a number
Sablan said these figures are not just statistics — they represent the lived realities of children and families.
“They reflect the lives of children and families who rely on the support, guidance, and protection provided by DYS every day,” she said.
“Every case number is more than just data. It’s a child’s story, a family supported, a moment where help arrived.”
In addition to responding to critical reports, Sablan noted that DYS-CPS has expanded its reach across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota through community outreach, training, and education.
“From classrooms to courtrooms, sports fields to community movie nights, our presence continues to grow — ensuring families know they’re not alone,” she said.
Sablan added that every number reflects a life DYS has touched: “a child whose safety matters, a youth who now feels seen, and a community reminded that support is always within reach.”
“These are more than statistics,” she said. “They are stories of hope, resilience, and real change.”
Looking ahead
As DYS enters the final quarter of FY2025, the agency remains focused on “doing things differently.”
“With 1,837 children already at the heart of our mission, we’re not slowing down,” Sablan said.
She also emphasized that the agency’s work wouldn’t be possible without its staff:
“From caseworkers to youth, wellness and parent advocates, to support staff, DYS continues to show up for children and families across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
“Whether it’s responding to reports, conducting home visits, leading trainings, or showing up in the community — we’re here to make sure every child’s voice is heard, every concern is taken seriously, and every family gets the support they deserve,” she added.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call 911 or contact DYS-CPS at (670) 285-2780/1 or (670) 287-1773.
