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We don't often hear enough stories of hope and resolve, where children and families have been strengthened and protected so they can live independently in the community.
Examples of these positive stories include the permanency worker who found homes for seven children who had been in foster care for more than two years. And the domestic violence specialist who reported to work in the middle of the night to find temporary shelter for a family in crisis. In another instance, a caseworker provided support for a recovering family and provided them with resources and appropriate community contacts so they could move toward a life of self-sufficiency.
The Utah Division of Child and Family Services provides this kind of important work every day. Last year, DCFS investigated more than 20,500 cases of abuse and neglect, provided in-home services to some 20,600 children and families and out-of-home services to 4,532 children. Neglect accounts for 40 percent of children in custody, and substance abuse was a factor in 57 percent of children placed in foster care.
Of the 1,000 DCFS employees dedicated to protecting children and families every day, 25 caseworkers from all over the state have been selected for recognition of their exemplary level of care and service. They will each be honored in their own regions with the Richard J. Anderson Award and will receive a plaque to commemorate their service. We congratulate all of them for their hard work.
DCFS is part of the Utah Department of Health and Welfare, now known as the Utah Department of Human Services. It was established in 1967 to help individuals and families resolve personal problems. More than forty years later, Human Services continues to provide and administer direct and contracted services to many of Utah's children, families and adults.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
