NCJ Number
188679
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 48 Issue: 4 Dated: 1997 Pages: 25-29
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes Utah legislation and systems change to improve court practices in child abuse and neglect cases.
Abstract
The Utah 1994 Child Welfare Reform Act provides that a child may not be removed from home unless removal is the "least intrusive method available for protecting the child." Both parents must be given notice explaining parents' procedural rights and the nature of the proceedings, location of the child, conditions under which the child may be released, and parents' right to counsel. In 1995 legislative and judicial leaders made special efforts to secure permanent placements for all children in care for over 18 months. Permanent placements were secured for nearly all the estimated 700 children in long-term care. In 1996 the legislature provided that, while relatives may be given initial preference for placement purposes, any preferential consideration expires 30 days from the date of the shelter hearing. The 1997 legislature strengthened provisions regarding adoption of a child, including laws removing limitations on agency responsibility to look for adoptive homes in a timely manner for children with special needs. The article concludes that Utah's legislative actions, including allocating money for additional judges, personnel, and services, have moved the State toward a system that assists families' reunification or prevents removal of children, helps children adjust to a change in placement, and holds to a minimum the time children are kept in the system. Notes