Special Efforts Being Made in Utah to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities

In March 2016, the Utah State Legislature enacted S.B. 82, which requires child welfare caseworkers within DCFS to use evidence-informed or evidence-based safety and risk assessments to guide decisions concerning a child throughout a child protection investigation or proceeding.  [Recommendation 7.3]

DHS’ Child Fatality Review meets regularly with the Department's Multidisciplinary Child Fatality Review Committee conducted by the Violence and Injury Prevention Program. The DHS Child Fatality Review reviews any child fatality in a family that has received agency services within the last year. The Committee has existed for many years, but its results are now reviewed by the Health and Human Services Legislative Oversight Committee. The Multidisciplinary Child Fatality Review reviews the untimely death of any child within the State of Utah. Both committees make recommendations related to appropriate response, practice improvement or community messaging for all child fatalities reviewed. [Recommendation 6.2]