Parental "Czar" Opens Up Office

Parental "Czar" Opens Up Office


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Samantha Hayes reportingParents Rights is a touchy subject. Especially in Utah.

Utah may be a first in the country to have a state appointed office, designed to level the playing field for parents in court.

Alicia Davis just started this week. The goal of her office is to improve the defense of parents accused of abusing their children.

This measure was introduced in the Legislature for several years, but the Parker Jensen custody battle brought the issue to the forefront and the proposal passed this year.

You may recall Parker Jensen's parents refused Doctor recommended chemotherapy sparking the debate over the state's right to interfere.

Alicia Davis knows first hand that accused parents are not always given a fair chance in the courtroom. She spent a year of her legal career defending parents.

Alicia Davis, Director Child Welfare and Parental Defense: “A really good thing to be able to be by someone's side in court when they were going through one of the most difficult times in their lives..and be able to provide that support and make sure their rights are being observed."

The Division of Child and Family Services, which is responsible for the uncomfortable task of sometimes removing children from their homes, says it welcomes better representation for parents.

Davis says standards have been established for the Attorney General's office and the Guardian Ad Litem's office, but not for defense counsel. She says when there is a level playing field in the courtroom, you are more likely to get the right outcome.

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