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Two newborns in the Northern Mariana Islands have tested positive for methamphetamine at birth, authorities say, underscoring growing concerns about substance exposure and child safety in the US territory.
The Division of Youth Services' Child Protective Services (CPS) unit said the cases were among a range of serious substance-related incidents it handled during the first quarter of the 2026 financial year. One parent also tested positive for cocaine, according to data released this week.
From October to December 2025, CPS responded to 91 new reports on Saipan alone, involving 278 children and 217 allegations. Combined with carryover cases from the previous financial year, the agency has dealt with 569 cases involving nearly 1,600 children across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota so far in FY 2026.
Officials said many of the new reports involved educational neglect and drug concerns in the home, including substance exposure involving newborns and parental drug use. All substance-related cases require immediate safety checks and coordination with partner agencies to ensure children are protected.
On Tinian, CPS handled 11 cases involving 20 children during the same period, while on Rota there were nine cases involving 22 children. Reports across the three islands included allegations of neglect, domestic violence, emotional and physical abuse, and drug use in the home.
CPS also investigated four cases involving child pornography and digital exploitation, which were immediately referred to law enforcement. These cases typically involve the sharing or accessing of sexually explicit images of children online.
Some cases escalated to wardship, where the court places children under legal protection due to safety concerns.
Between October and December, CPS managed 20 wardship cases involving 43 children. Authorities said the agency prioritizes keeping children with family members when it is safe to do so, while also relying on approved foster caregivers.
The Division of Youth Services' administrator Vivian Sablan said more families are reaching out for help, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
"This data shows why early support matters, and why we encourage families to ask for help before situations escalate," Sablan said.
CPS supervisor Mariah Manglona said the figures were difficult but necessary to share.
"Especially when substance exposure or online exploitation is involved, these numbers are hard to read," she said.
"But sharing this information helps the community understand what CPS is seeing and why prevention and reporting make a difference."
Community members are urged to contact emergency services or CPS if they have concerns about a child's safety.