Meth use in households remains one of the most pressing threats in the Northern Mariana Islands. Photo: 123RF
Twelve newborns in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) tested positive for methamphetamine exposure at birth in fiscal year 2025, according to the Division of Youth Services' annual report released recently.
The report also reveals four mothers tested positive for meth use during pregnancy or delivery.
DYS administrator Vivian Sablan and Child Protective Services supervisor Mariah Barcinas presented the report in an interview with Marianas Press, where they warned of rising child abuse and neglect cases.
In FY2025, the division handled 816 cases involving 2210 children - up from 535 cases and 1489 children the previous year.
Of those cases, 735 were substantiated, meaning there was sufficient evidence that abuse or neglect occurred. Sixty-nine were unsubstantiated and 12 could not be determined.
Meth use in households remains one of the most pressing threats. In addition to the 12 meth-exposed newborns, three infants tested positive at delivery, and one expectant mother was found using meth while pregnant.
In total, there were 84 drug-related child welfare cases tied mostly to methamphetamine use in the home.
The most common abuse and neglect categories included 476 emotional abuse cases, 262 emotional neglect, 152 physical neglect, 155 physical abuse, and 116 sexual abuse.
DYS also responded to 99 domestic violence cases, 104 educational neglect, and smaller numbers involving child pornography, grooming, bullying, substance use, sex trafficking, and child endangerment.
Other child welfare issues logged in FY2025 included 25 runaway cases, 20 teen pregnancies, 23 truancy cases, 10 self-harm cases, and eight cases of suicidal ideation. For the first time, DYS also tracked teen dating violence, recording five incidents.
By ethnicity, Chamorro children made up 227 of the cases, followed by Filipino and Carolinian children at 68 each, and Chuukese children at 58. Smaller numbers involved Palauan, Yapese, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Korean, and other groups.
Barcinas said the spike in reports is both alarming and a sign of stronger public awareness. "We're still seeing numbers skyrocketing, but this may also be because the community is getting more comfortable reporting," she said.
Already in the first 12 days of the new fiscal year, DYS has recorded 17 new cases involving 61 children. These included domestic violence, physical neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, grooming, and drug-related concerns.
