Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Utah lawmakers ordered an audit of DCFS after Gavin Peterson's death.
- A proposal to ease DCFS warrant access was rejected, raising authority concerns.
- DCFS Director Myrup stresses public reporting and ongoing system improvements discussions.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns demanded change after 12-year-old Gavin Peterson starved to death last year, criticizing how the state's child welfare system handled complaints about his safety in the years before he was withdrawn from school.
Utah lawmakers responded by ordering an audit of the Division of Child and Family Services, and the review is still pending. But they rejected a proposal making it easier for DCFS to obtain warrants when parents won't answer the door for caseworkers investigating allegations of abuse and neglect.
Now, the lawmaker behind that proposal said she might bring it back, but she's hesitant after it failed in February, with critics saying it could give DCFS too much authority.
"That's why I'm just not sure," said Rep. Christine Watkins, R-Price. "Do I want to go out there and try this again and just get shot down?"
A judge in Ogden broke down in tears this week before sentencing the boy's father to prison for aggravated child abuse. Gavin's stepmother and an older brother have also pleaded guilty to their roles in the boy's death.
DCFS Director Tonya Myrup said she's still having conversations with lawmakers about how to improve the system. She said DCFS is analyzing its own data and reviewing other states' policies.
After Gavin's death and another high-profile abuse case involving YouTuber Ruby Franke, KSL asked Myrup if she's worried about losing public trust.
"It's helpful for the public to understand that those cases in the media, they really are those extreme — they are the most extreme cases that we see," Myrup said. "They're, thankfully, the outliers, and we need to be able to respond to ensure that those children are protected. But the vast majority of parents want to do a good job."
Not every report provides enough information to open a case, she noted, but when multiple people call its hotline (1-855-323-DCFS) that can help employees piece together what's happening. Myrup insisted that can make a difference.
"We just encourage if you suspect abuse or neglect, or you have any concerns, to please call the hotline," Myrup continued. "Because it does help us put all of those pieces together and help children and families."
For parents seeking help, support centers and an in-home visiting programs around the state can help provide a safe environment for kids.
Contributing: Daniella Rivera
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
Help with Children
Those who feel stressed out with a child, who need a break or who feel like they need counseling or training can reach out to one of the following agencies:
- The Family Support Center has 15 locations throughout the state and offers a free crisis nursery for parents who have to keep appointments or who are stressed out. They also offer counseling and family mentoring. Call 801-955-9110 or visit familysupportcenter.org/contact.php for more information.
- Prevent Child Abuse Utah provides home visiting in Weber, Davis, and Box Elder counties. Parent Educators provide support, education, and activities for families with young children. Their statewide education team offers diverse trainings on protective factors, digital safety, bullying, and child sex trafficking. They are available for in-person or virtual trainings and offer free online courses for the community at pcautah.org.
- The Office of Home Visiting works with local agencies to provide home visits to pregnant women and young families who would like to know more about being parents. Home visitors are trained and can provide information about breastfeeding, developmental milestones, toilet training, nutrition, mental health, home safety, child development, and much more. Find out more at homevisiting.utah.gov.
- The Safe Haven law allows birth parents in Utah to safely and anonymously give up custody of their newborn child at any hospital in the state, with no legal consequences and no questions asked. The child's mother can drop off the child, or the mother can ask someone else to do it for her. The newborns should be dropped off at hospitals that are open 24 hours a day. Newborns given up in this manner will be cared for by the hospital staff, and the Utah Division of Child and Family Services will find a home for the child. For more information, visit utahsafehaven.org or call the 24-hour hotline at 866-458-0058.
