Download Zipped Amended WP 6.1 HB0307S1.ZIP 102,964 Bytes
[Introduced][Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

First Substitute H.B. 307

1    

CHILD WELFARE REFORM ACT AMENDMENTS

2    
1997 GENERAL SESSION

3    
STATE OF UTAH

4    
Sponsor: J. Brent Haymond

5    AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND DEPENDENCY PROCEEDINGS;
6    CLARIFYING PROVISIONS OF THE CHILD WELFARE REFORM ACT; REQUIRING
7    SEPARATE PROCEDURES AND PROGRAMS FOR MINORS WHO ARE COMMITTED
8    TO THE DIVISION OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES ON GROUNDS OTHER THAN
9    ABUSE OR NEGLECT; PROVIDING FOR SPECIFIED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES;
10    CLARIFYING RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHILD WELFARE LEGISLATIVE
11    OVERSIGHT PANEL; ELIMINATING THE REQUIREMENT FOR FBI CRIMINAL
12    BACKGROUND CHECKS; LIMITING WHEN THE DISTRICT COURT MAY CERTIFY
13    QUESTIONS TO THE JUVENILE COURT; CLARIFYING THE RIGHTS AND ABILITIES
14    OF SPECIFIED PARENTS TO SUBSEQUENTLY INTERVENE IN A CHILD'S CURRENT
15    PLACEMENT h ADDING A JUVENILE COURT JUDGE h ; EXPANDING AND EXTENDING THE
15a    EARLY INTERVENTION FOR
16    JUVENILES PILOT PROGRAM; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING
17    A COORDINATION CLAUSE.
18    This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
19    AMENDS:
20         30-3-38, as enacted by Chapter 255, Laws of Utah 1996
21         53A-11-105, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
22         62A-4a-105 (Effective 07/01/97), as last amended by Chapters 240 and 314, Laws of Utah
23    1996
24         62A-4a-113, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
25         62A-4a-201, as enacted by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
26         62A-4a-202.1, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
27         62A-4a-202.3, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
lilac-February 28, 1997


1         62A-4a-202.4, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
2         62A-4a-203, as enacted by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
3         62A-4a-205.5, as enacted by Chapters 314 and 318, Laws of Utah 1996
4         62A-4a-205.6, as enacted by Chapter 314, Laws of Utah 1996
5         62A-4a-207, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
6         62A-4a-413, as last amended by Chapter 109, Laws of Utah 1995
7         62A-4a-607, as enacted by Chapter 314, Laws of Utah 1996
8         62A-12-282.1, as enacted by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1996
9         63-92-3, as enacted by Chapter 165, Laws of Utah 1996
9a         h 78-1-2.3 as last amended by Chapters 198 and 329, Laws of Utah 1996 h    
10         78-3a-102, as enacted by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 1996
11         78-3a-103, as enacted by Chapter 1 and last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
12         78-3a-104, as enacted by Chapter 1 and last amended by Chapters 234 and 318, Laws of Utah
13    1996
14         78-3a-105, as enacted by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 1996
15         78-3a-106, as enacted by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 1996
16         78-3a-301, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
17         78-3a-306, as last amended by Chapters 1 and 318, Laws of Utah 1996
18         78-3a-307, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
19         78-3a-307.1, as enacted by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
20         78-3a-308, as last amended by Chapter 302, Laws of Utah 1995
21         78-3a-310, as last amended by Chapter 302, Laws of Utah 1995
22         78-3a-311, as last amended by Chapters 1, 314 and 318, Laws of Utah 1996
23         78-3a-312, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
24         78-3a-313, as enacted by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
25         78-3a-404, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
26         78-3a-408, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
27         78-3a-409, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
28         78-3a-504, as enacted by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 1996
29         78-3a-512, as enacted by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 1996
30         78-3a-516, as enacted by Chapter 1 and last amended by Chapters 188, 234 and 318, Laws of
31    Utah 1996

- 2 -

lilac-February 28, 1997


1         78-3a-518, as enacted by Chapter 1 and last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
2    ENACTS:
3         26-18-3.8, Utah Code Annotated 1953
4         62A-4a-250, Utah Code Annotated 1953
5         78-3a-350, Utah Code Annotated 1953
6    REPEALS:
7         62A-4a-204, as enacted by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
8         78-3a-317, as enacted by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 1996
9    This act affects uncodified material as follows:
10    AMENDS:
11     Uncodified Section 60, Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
12    Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
13        Section 1. Section 26-18-3.8 is enacted to read:
14         26-18-3.8. Mental health services for specified child recipients.
15        (1) As used in this section:
16        (a) "Child recipient" means a recipient who is under 18 years of age and who is eligible
17    for medical assistance under this chapter because the child receives assistance under 42 U.S.C.
18    Section 673.
19        (b) "Mental health therapist" means the same as that term is defined in Section 58-60-102.
20        (2) A child recipient shall be allowed to receive services from a mental health therapist
21    who is not part of a prepaid capitated delivery system for mental health providers.
22        (3) The division shall establish a payment schedule for services provided under this
23    section.
24        Section 2. Section 30-3-38 is amended to read:
25         30-3-38. Pilot Program for Expedited Visitation Enforcement.
26        (1) There is established an Expedited Visitation Enforcement Pilot Program in the third
27    judicial district to be administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts from July 1, 1996,
28    to July 1, 1997.
29        (2) This pilot program is to resolve visitation problems on an expedited basis by enabling
30    a parent who alleges that his court-ordered visitation rights have been violated to file a request for
31    enforcement of the order, have a conference scheduled with the other parent and a private mediator

- 3 -


1    to address visitation issues within 15 days of filing the request, and have the private mediator
2    assess the situation, facilitate an agreement on visitation between the parties, and make an
3    appropriate recommendation to the court on a timely basis. Within 15 days, an agreement on
4    visitation shall become a temporary order under the signature of the court.
5        (3) The Judicial Council shall make rules to implement and administer this pilot program.
6        (4) The parties to a proceeding initiated in the third district court to enforce the terms of
7    a visitation order shall participate in this pilot program, unless one of the parties:
8        (a) makes an allegation of child sexual abuse implicating the other party, in which case,
9    the mediator shall refer the matter to the court and report the allegation to the Division of Child
10    and Family Services consistent with Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 4, Child Abuse or Neglect
11    Reporting Requirements; or
12        (b) is unwilling to participate in the program, in which case, the matter shall be referred
13    to the court.
14        (5) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall adopt a program to evaluate the
15    effectiveness of this pilot program. Progress reports shall be provided to the Judiciary Interim
16    Committee in August 1996 and as requested thereafter by the committee. At least once during this
17    pilot program, the Administrative Office of the Courts shall present to the committee the results
18    of a survey that measures the effectiveness of the program in terms of increased compliance with
19    visitation orders and the responses of interested persons.
20        (6) (a) The Department of Human Services shall apply for federal funds designated for
21    visitation, if such funds are available. The department shall contract any federal funds received
22    under this application to the Administrative Office of the Courts for the administration of this pilot
23    program.
24        (b) This pilot program shall be funded through funds received under Subsection (a), the
25    Children's Legal Defense Account as established in Section 63-63a-8, or other available funding.
26    Without funding, the pilot program may not proceed.
27        Section 3. Section 53A-11-105 is amended to read:
28         53A-11-105. Taking custody of person believed to be truant child -- Disposition --
29     Receiving centers -- Reports -- Immunity from liability.
30        (1) A peace officer, truant officer, or public school administrator may take a person into
31    temporary custody if there is reason to believe the person is a child subject to the state's

- 4 -


1    compulsory education law and that the child is absent from school without a legitimate or valid
2    excuse.
3        (2) An individual taking a child into custody under Subsection (1) shall, without
4    unnecessary delay, release the child to:
5        (a) the principal of the child's school;
6        (b) a person who has been designated by the local school board to receive the child and
7    return him to school; or
8        (c) a receiving center established under Subsection (5).
9        (3) If the child refuses to return to school or go to the receiving center, the officer or
10    administrator shall, without unnecessary delay, notify the child's parents, guardian, or custodian
11    and release the child to their custody.
12        (4) If the parents, guardian, or custodian cannot be reached or are unable or unwilling to
13    accept custody, the child shall be referred to the Division of Child and Family Services.
14        (5) (a) A local school board, singly or jointly with another school board, may establish or
15    designate receiving centers within existing school buildings and staff the centers with existing
16    teachers or staff to provide educational guidance and counseling for truant children. Upon receipt
17    of a truant child, the center shall, without unnecessary delay, notify and direct the child's parents,
18    guardian, or custodian to come to the center, pick up the child, and return the child to school.
19        (b) If the parents, guardian, or custodian cannot be reached or are unable or unwilling to
20    comply with the request within a reasonable time, the center shall take such steps as are reasonably
21    necessary to insure the safety and well being of the child, including, when appropriate, returning
22    the child to school or referring the child to the Division of Child and Family Services. A child
23    taken into custody under this section may not be placed in a detention center or other secure
24    confinement facility.
25        (6) Action taken under this section shall be reported to the appropriate school district. The
26    district shall promptly notify the child's parents or legal guardian of the action taken.
27        (7) The Utah Governmental Immunity Act applies to all actions taken under this section.
28        (8) Nothing in this section may be construed to grant authority to a public school
29    administrator or truant officer to place a child in the custody of the Division of Child and Family
30    Services, without complying with the provisions of Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Parts 2 and 2A, and of
31    Title 78, Chapter 3a, Parts 3 and 3A.

- 5 -


1        Section 4. Section 62A-4a-105 (Effective 07/01/97) is amended to read:
2         62A-4a-105 (Effective 07/01/97). Division responsibilities.
3        The division shall:
4        (1) administer services to children and families, including child welfare services, youth
5    services, domestic violence services, and all other responsibilities that the Legislature or the
6    executive director may assign to the division;
7        (2) establish standards for all contract providers of out-of-home care for children and
8    families;
9        (3) cooperate with the federal government in the administration of child welfare, youth
10    services, and domestic violence programs and other human service activities assigned by the
11    department;
12        (4) provide for the compilation of relevant information, statistics, and reports on child and
13    family service matters in the state;
14        (5) prepare and submit to the department, the governor, and the Legislature reports of the
15    operation and administration of the division in accordance with the requirements of Sections
16    62A-4a-117 and 62A-4a-118;
17        (6) promote and enforce state and federal laws enacted for the protection of abused,
18    neglected, dependent, delinquent, ungovernable, and runaway children, and status offenders, in
19    accordance with the requirements of this chapter, unless administration is expressly vested in
20    another division or department of the state. In carrying out the provisions of this subsection, the
21    division shall cooperate with the juvenile courts, the Division of Youth Corrections, and with all
22    public and private licensed child welfare agencies and institutions to develop and administer a
23    broad range of services and supports. The division shall take the initiative in all matters involving
24    the protection of abused or neglected children if adequate provisions have not been made or are
25    not likely to be made, and shall make expenditures necessary for the care and protection of those
26    children, within the division's budget;
27        (7) provide substitute care for dependent, abused, neglected, and delinquent children,
28    establish standards for substitute care facilities, and approve those facilities;
29        (8) provide financial support to persons adopting physically handicapped, mentally
30    handicapped, older, or other hard-to-place children who, immediately prior to adoption, were legal
31    wards of the state. The financial support provided under this subsection may not exceed the

- 6 -


1    amounts the division would provide for the child as a legal ward of the state;
2        (9) cooperate with the Division of Employment Development in the Department of
3    Workforce Services in meeting social and economic needs of individuals eligible for public
4    assistance;
5        (10) conduct court-ordered home evaluations for the district and juvenile courts with
6    regard to child custody issues. The court shall order either the plaintiff, defendant, or both parties
7    to reimburse the division for the cost of that evaluation, in accordance with the community rate
8    for that service or with the department's fee schedule rate;
9        (11) provide noncustodial and in-home preventive services, designed to prevent family
10    breakup, family preservation services, and reunification services to families whose children are
11    in substitute care in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and Title 78, Chapter 3a,
12    Juvenile Courts;
13        (12) provide protective supervision of a family, upon court order, in an effort to eliminate
14    abuse or neglect of a child in that family;
15        (13) establish programs pursuant to Section 62A-4a-250, and provide services to runaway
16    and ungovernable children and their families;
17        (14) provide shelter care in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and Title 78,
18    Chapter 3a;
19        (15) provide social studies and reports for the juvenile court in accordance with Section
20    78-3a-514;
21        (16) arrange for and provide training for staff and providers involved in the administration
22    and delivery of services offered by the division in accordance with this chapter;
23        (17) provide domestic violence services in accordance with the requirements of federal
24    law, and establish standards for all direct or contract providers of domestic violence services.
25    Within appropriations from the Legislature, the division shall provide or contract for a variety of
26    domestic violence services and treatment methods;
27        (18) ensure regular, periodic publication regarding the number of children in the custody
28    of the division who have a permanency goal of adoption [and who are eligible for adoption], or
29    for whom a final plan of termination of parental rights has been approved, pursuant to Section
30    78-3a-312, and promote adoption of those children; and
31        (19) perform such other duties and functions as required by law.

- 7 -


1        Section 5. Section 62A-4a-113 is amended to read:
2         62A-4a-113. Division's enforcement authority -- Responsibility of attorney general
3     to represent division in abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings.
4        (1) The division shall take legal action that is necessary to enforce the provisions of this
5    chapter.
6        (2) The attorney general shall enforce all provisions of this chapter, in addition to the
7    requirements of Title 78, Chapter 3a, relating to protection and custody of abused, neglected, or
8    dependent children and relating to ungovernable and delinquent children who are in the custody
9    of the division. The attorney general may contract with the local county attorney to enforce the
10    provisions of this chapter and Title 78, Chapter 3a.
11        (3) It is the responsibility of the attorney general's office to:
12        (a) advise the division regarding decisions to remove a child from his home;
13        (b) represent the division in all court and administrative proceedings related to child abuse,
14    neglect, and dependency including, but not limited to, shelter hearings, dispositional hearings,
15    dispositional review hearings, periodic review hearings, and petitions for termination of parental
16    rights; and
17        (c) be available to and advise caseworkers on an ongoing basis.
18        (4) The attorney general shall designate no less than 16 full-time attorneys to advise and
19    represent the division in abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings, including petitions for
20    termination of parental rights. Those attorneys [shall be housed in various offices of the division
21    statewide, and] shall devote their full time and attention to that representation and, insofar as it is
22    practicable, shall be housed in or near various offices of the division statewide.
23        Section 6. Section 62A-4a-201 is amended to read:
24         62A-4a-201. Rights of parents -- Children's rights -- Interest and responsibility of
25     state.
26        (1) [There is] Courts have recognized a general presumption that it is in the best interest
27    and welfare of a child to be raised under the care and supervision of his natural parents. A child's
28    need for a normal family life in a permanent home, and for positive, nurturing family relationships
29    will usually best be met by his natural parents. Additionally, the integrity of the family unit, and
30    the right of parents to conceive and raise their children have found protection in the due process
31    clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. [Parents have a natural,

- 8 -


1    legal, and moral right, as well as duty, to care for their children.] The right of a fit, competent
2    parent to raise his child has long been protected by the laws and Constitution of this state and of
3    the United States.
4        (2) As a counterweight to parental rights, the state, as parens patriae, has an interest in and
5    responsibility to protect children whose parents abuse them or do not adequately provide for their
6    welfare. There are circumstances where a parent's conduct or condition is a substantial departure
7    from the norm and the parent is unable or unwilling to render safe and proper parental care and
8    protection. Under those circumstances, the welfare of children is the consideration of paramount
9    importance.
10        (3) When the division intervenes on behalf of an abused, neglected, or dependent child,
11    it shall take into account the child's need for protection from immediate harm [and also the
12    emotional impact of separating the child from his family]. Throughout its involvement, the
13    division shall attempt to utilize the least intrusive means available to protect a child, in an effort
14    to ensure that children are brought up in stable, permanent families, rather than in temporary foster
15    placements under the supervision of the state.
16        (4) When circumstances within the family pose a threat to the child's safety or welfare,
17    [however,] the state's interest in the child's welfare is paramount to the [natural right and authority]
18    rights of [the] a parent. The division may obtain custody of the child for a planned period and
19    place him in a safe environment, in accordance with the requirements of Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part
20    3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings.
21        (5) In cases where obvious sexual abuse or abandonment, or serious physical abuse or
22    neglect are involved, the state has no duty to maintain a child in his home, provide reunification
23    services, or to attempt to rehabilitate the offending parent or parents. This subsection does not
24    exempt the division from providing court ordered services.
25        [(5)] (6) It is the division's obligation, under federal law, to achieve permanency for
26    children who are abused, neglected, or dependent. If, because of his conduct or condition, a parent
27    is determined to be unfit or incompetent based on the grounds for termination of parental rights
28    described in Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 4, Termination of Parental Rights Act, the welfare and best
29    interest of the child is then of paramount importance, and shall govern in determining whether that
30    parent's rights should be terminated.
31        Section 7. Section 62A-4a-202.1 is amended to read:

- 9 -


1         62A-4a-202.1. Taking a child into protective custody -- Peace officer -- Division of
2     Child and Family Services caseworker.
3        (1) Any peace officer may, without a warrant, take a minor into protective custody when
4    the officer has substantial cause to believe that any of the factors described in Section 78-3a-301
5    exist.
6        (2) (a) A child welfare worker within the Division of Child and Family Services may take
7    and maintain protective custody of a minor, without a warrant, in accordance with the requirements
8    of [Subsection (2)] this section and Section 78-3a-301 when accompanied by a peace officer, or
9    without a peace officer, when a peace officer is not reasonably available.
10        (b) [Before] If possible, consistent with the child's safety and welfare, before taking a child
11    into protective custody, the worker shall also determine whether there are services reasonably
12    available to the worker which, if provided to the minor's parent or to the minor, would eliminate
13    the need to remove the minor from the custody of his parent in accordance with the provisions and
14    limitations of Section 78-3a-301. If those services are reasonably available, they shall be utilized.
15        Section 8. Section 62A-4a-202.3 is amended to read:
16         62A-4a-202.3. Investigation -- Substantiation of reports -- Child in protective
17     custody.
18        (1) When a child is taken into protective custody in accordance with Sections
19    62A-4a-202.1 and 78-3a-301, the Division of Child and Family Services shall immediately
20    investigate the circumstances of the minor and the facts surrounding his being taken into protective
21    custody.
22        (2) The division's investigation shall include, among other actions necessary to meet
23    reasonable professional standards:
24        (a) a search for and review of any records of past reports of abuse or neglect involving the
25    same child, any sibling or other child residing in that household, and the alleged perpetrator;
26        (b) with regard to a child who is five years of age or older, a personal interview with the
27    child outside of the presence of the alleged perpetrator, conducted in accordance with the
28    requirements of Subsection (5);
29        (c) an interview with the child's natural parents or other guardian, unless their whereabouts
30    are unknown;
31        (d) an interview with the person who reported the abuse, unless anonymous;

- 10 -


1        (e) where possible and appropriate, interviews with other third parties who have had direct
2    contact with the child, including school personnel and the child's health care provider;
3        (f) an unscheduled visit to the child's home; and
4        (g) if appropriate and indicated in any case alleging physical injury, sexual abuse, or
5    failure to meet the child's medical needs, a medical examination. That examination shall be
6    obtained no later than 24 hours after the child was placed in protective custody.
7        (3) (a) The division's determination of whether a report is substantiated or unsubstantiated
8    may be based on the child's statements alone.
9        (b) Inability to identify or locate the perpetrator may not be used by the division as a basis
10    for determining that a report is unsubstantiated, or for closing the case.
11        (c) The division may not determine a case to be unsubstantiated or identify a case as
12    unsubstantiated solely because the perpetrator was an out-of-home perpetrator.
13        (d) Decisions regarding whether a report is substantiated or unsubstantiated shall be based
14    on the facts of the case at the time the report was made.
15        (4) The division should maintain protective custody of the child if it finds that one or more
16    of the following conditions exist:
17        (a) the minor has no natural parent, guardian, or responsible relative who is able and
18    willing to provide safe and appropriate care for the minor;
19        (b) shelter of the minor is a matter of necessity for the protection of the minor and there
20    are no reasonable means by which the minor can be protected in his home or the home of a
21    responsible relative;
22        (c) there is substantial evidence that the parent or guardian is likely to flee the jurisdiction
23    of the court; or
24        (d) the minor has left a previously court ordered placement.
25        (5) (a) Within 24 hours after receipt of a child into protective custody, excluding weekends
26    and holidays, the Division of Child and Family Services shall convene a child protection team to
27    review the circumstances regarding removal of the child from his home, and prepare the testimony
28    and evidence that will be required of the division at the shelter hearing, in accordance with Section
29    78-3a-306.
30        (b) Members of that team shall include:
31        (i) the caseworker assigned to the case and the caseworker who made the decision to

- 11 -


1    remove the child;
2        (ii) a representative of the school or school district in which the child attends school;
3        (iii) the peace officer who removed the child from the home;
4        (iv) a representative of the appropriate Children's Justice Center, if one is established
5    within the county where the child resides;
6        (v) if appropriate, and known to the division, a therapist or counselor who is familiar with
7    the child's circumstances; and
8        (vi) any other individuals as determined to be appropriate and necessary by the team
9    coordinator and chair.
10        (c) At that 24-hour meeting, the division shall have available for review and consideration,
11    the complete child protective services and foster care history of the child and the child's parents
12    and siblings.
13        (6) After receipt of a child into protective custody and prior to the adjudication hearing,
14    all investigative interviews with the child that are initiated by the division shall be audio or video
15    taped, and the child shall be allowed to have a support person of the child's choice present. That
16    support person may not be an alleged perpetrator.
17        (7) The division shall cooperate with law enforcement investigations regarding the alleged
18    perpetrator.
19        (8) The division may not close an investigation solely on the grounds that the division
20    investigator is unable to locate the child, until all reasonable efforts have been made to locate the
21    child and family members. Those efforts include:
22        (a) visiting the home at times other than normal work hours;
23        (b) contacting local schools;
24        (c) contacting local, county, and state law enforcement agencies; and
25        (d) checking public assistance records.
26        Section 9. Section 62A-4a-202.4 is amended to read:
27         62A-4a-202.4. Access to criminal background information.
28        (1) For purposes of background screening and investigation of child abuse under this
29    chapter and Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings, the
30    division shall have direct access to criminal background information maintained pursuant to Title
31    53, Chapter 5, Part 2, Criminal Identification Act.

- 12 -


1        (2) The division [is] and the Office of the Guardian Ad Litem Director are also authorized
2    to request the Department of Public Safety to conduct a complete Federal Bureau of Investigation
3    criminal background check through the national criminal history system (NCIC).
4        Section 10. Section 62A-4a-203 is amended to read:
5         62A-4a-203. Removal of a child from his home -- Reasonable efforts to maintain
6     child in home -- Exception -- Reasonable efforts for reunification.
7        (1) Because removal of a child from his home [affects] may affect protected, constitutional
8    rights of the parent, [and may cause significant trauma to the child,] the division shall:
9        (a) when possible and appropriate, without danger to the child's welfare, make reasonable
10    efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of a child from his home prior to placement
11    in substitute care[, when that is possible and appropriate, without danger to the child's welfare];
12        (b) determine whether there is substantial cause to believe that a child has been or is in
13    danger of abuse or neglect, in accordance with the guidelines described in Title 78, Chapter 3a,
14    Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings, prior to removing the child from his home;
15    and
16        (c) [make it possible for a child in substitute care to return to his home,] when [that] it is
17    possible and appropriate, and in accordance with the limitations and requirements of Sections
18    78-3a-311 and 78-3a-312, make reasonable efforts to make it possible for a child in substitute care
19    to return to his home.
20        (2) In determining the reasonableness of efforts needed to maintain a child in his home in
21    accordance with Subsection (1)(a), the division shall consider whether those services would be
22    effective within a six-month period, and whether they would be likely to prevent reabuse or
23    continued neglect of the child.
24        (3) When removal and placement in substitute care is necessary to protect a child, [and the
25    division has no reasonable alternative that can provide the needed protection,] the "efforts"
26    described in Subsections (1) and (2) would not be reasonable and, therefore, are not required.
27        (4) In cases where obvious sexual abuse or abandonment, or serious physical abuse or
28    neglect are involved, the state has no duty to maintain a child in his home, provide reunification
29    services, or to attempt to rehabilitate the offending parent or parents. This subsection does not
30    exempt the division from providing court ordered services.
31        Section 11. Section 62A-4a-205.5 is amended to read:

- 13 -


1         62A-4a-205.5. Prohibition of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and cultural
2     heritage.
3        With regard to children in the custody of the division who have permanency goals of
4    adoption or [who are eligible for adoption] for whom a final plan for pursuing termination of
5    parental rights has been approved in accordance with Section 78-3a-312, the division may not base
6    its decision for placement of those children solely on the race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage of
7    either the child or the prospective adoptive parents. The basis of a decision for placement shall
8    be the best interest of the child.
9        Section 12. Section 62A-4a-205.6 is amended to read:
10         62A-4a-205.6. Adoptive placement time frame -- Contracting with agencies.
11        (1) With regard to children who have a permanency goal of adoption [and who are
12    eligible] or for [adoption,] whom a final plan for pursuing termination of parental rights has been
13    approved in accordance with Section 78-3a-312, the division shall make intensive efforts to place
14    the child in an adoptive home within 30 days after the [court has freed the child for adoption in
15    accordance with Subsection 78-3a-312(3)] final plan has been approved.
16        (2) If within the time period described in Subsection (1) the division is unable to locate
17    a suitable adoptive home, it shall contract with licensed child placing agencies to search for an
18    appropriate adoptive home for the child, and to place the child for adoption. The division shall
19    contract with a variety of child placing agencies licensed pursuant to Part 6.
20        [(3) The time period described in Subsection (1) does not apply with regard to children
21    who the division has determined to have special needs or circumstances making the child hard to
22    place for adoption. That determination, and the reasons for that determination, shall be made a
23    part of the child's record.]
24        Section 13. Section 62A-4a-207 is amended to read:
25         62A-4a-207. Legislative Oversight Panel -- Responsibilities.
26        (1) (a) There is created the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel composed of the
27    following members:
28        (i) two members of the Senate, one from the majority party and one from the minority
29    party, appointed by the president of the Senate; and
30        (ii) three members of the House of Representatives, two from the majority party and one
31    from the minority party, appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

- 14 -


1        (b) Members of the panel shall serve for two-year terms, or until their successors are
2    appointed.
3        (c) A vacancy exists whenever a member ceases to be a member of the Legislature, or
4    when a member resigns from the panel. Vacancies shall be filled by the appointing authority, and
5    the replacement shall fill the unexpired term.
6        (2) The president of the Senate shall designate one of the senators appointed to the panel
7    under Subsection (1) as the Senate chair of the panel. The speaker of the House of Representatives
8    shall designate one of the representatives appointed to the panel under Subsection (1) as the House
9    chair of the panel.
10        (3) The panel shall follow the interim committee rules established by the Legislature.
11        (4) The panel shall:
12        (a) examine and observe the process and execution of laws governing the child welfare
13    system by the executive branch and the judicial branch;
14        (b) upon request, receive testimony from the public, the juvenile court, and from all state
15    agencies involved with the child welfare system including, but not limited to, the division, other
16    offices and agencies within the department, the attorney general's office, the Office of the Guardian
17    Ad Litem Director, and school districts[, and the juvenile court];
18        (c) receive reports from the Consumer Hearing Panel, described in Subsection
19    62A-4a-102(3), and consider and review the actions, reports, and recommendations of that panel;
20        (d) receive recommendations from, and make recommendations to the governor, the
21    Legislature, [the division,] the attorney general, the division, the Office of the Guardian Ad Litem
22    Director, [and] the juvenile court, and the public;
23        (e) study and recommend proposed changes to laws governing the child welfare system;
24        (f) perform such other duties related to the oversight of the child welfare system as the
25    panel considers appropriate; and
26        (g) annually report its findings and recommendations to the president of the Senate, the
27    speaker of the House of Representatives, the Human Services Interim Committee, and the
28    Judiciary Interim Committee.
29        (5) [If the] The panel [reviews and discusses an] has authority to review and discuss
30    individual [case, its] cases. When an individual case is discussed, the panel's meeting may be held
31    in private.

- 15 -


1        (6) (a) The panel has authority [only] to make recommendations to the Legislature, the
2    governor, the Board of Juvenile Court Judges, the division, and [the Consumer Hearing Panel, may
3    not become involved in cases currently pending before the court, and may not overturn decisions
4    made by the division or make final determinations regarding any party's rights or responsibilities]
5    any other statutorily created entity related to the policies and procedures of the child welfare
6    system. The panel does not have authority to make recommendations to the court, the division,
7    or any other public or private entity regarding the disposition of any individual case.
8        (b) The panel may hold public hearings, as it considers advisable, in various locations
9    within the state in order to afford all interested persons an opportunity to appear and present their
10    views regarding the child welfare system in this state.
11        (7) (a) All records of the panel regarding individual cases shall be classified private, and
12    may be disclosed only in accordance with federal law and the provisions of Title 63, Chapter 2,
13    Government Records Access and Management Act.
14        (b) The panel shall have access to all of the division's records, including those regarding
15    individual cases. In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access
16    Management Act, all documents and information received by the panel shall maintain the same
17    classification that was designated by the division.
18        (8) In order to accomplish its oversight functions, the panel has:
19        (a) all [the] powers granted to legislative interim committees in Section 36-12-11; and
20        (b) legislative subpoena powers under Title 36, Chapter 14, Legislative Subpoena Powers.
21        (9) Members of the panel shall receive salary and expenses [under] in accordance with
22    Section 36-2-2.
23        (10) (a) The Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel shall provide staff
24    support to the panel.
25        (b) The panel is authorized to employ additional professional assistance and other staff
26    members as it considers necessary and appropriate.
27        Section 14. Section 62A-4a-250 is enacted to read:
28    
Part 2A. Minors in Custody on Grounds Other Than Abuse or Neglect

29         62A-4a-250. Separate programs and procedures for minors committed to the custody
30     of the Division of Child and Family Services on grounds other than abuse or neglect.
31        (1) On or before July 1, 1998, the division shall have established programs designed to

- 16 -


1    meet the needs of minors who have not been adjudicated as abused or neglected, but who are
2    otherwise committed to the custody of the division by the juvenile court pursuant to Section
3    78-3a-516, and who are classified in the division's management information system as having been
4    placed in custody primarily on the basis of delinquent behavior or a status offense.
5        (2) (a) The processes and procedures designed to meet the needs of children who are
6    abused or neglected, described in Part 2 and in Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and
7    Dependency Proceedings, are not applicable to the minors described in Subsection (1).
8        (b) The procedures described in Subsection 78-3a-518(2)(a) are applicable to the minors
9    described in Subsection (1).
10        (3) The attorney general's office has the responsibility to represent the division with regard
11    to minors described in Subsection (1) as of July 1, 1997.
12        Section 15. Section 62A-4a-413 is amended to read:
13         62A-4a-413. Agencies and individuals providing services to children -- Felony or
14     misdemeanor conviction.
15        (1) (a) As of July 1, 1990, each public or private agency or individual licensed by the
16    department to provide child care services, child placing services, youth programs, substitute,
17    foster, or institutionalized care to children shall, in order to obtain or renew a license under Section
18    62A-2-108, submit to the department the name and other identifying information, which may
19    include fingerprints, of new and proposed:
20        (i) owners;
21        (ii) directors;
22        (iii) members of the governing body;
23        (iv) employees;
24        (v) providers of care; and
25        (vi) volunteers, except parents of children enrolled in the programs.
26        (b) The Law Enforcement and Technical Services Division of the Department of Public
27    Safety shall process that information to determine whether the individual has been convicted of
28    any crime.
29        (c) As of July 1, 1997, persons described in Subsection (1)(a) may also be subject to a
30    complete Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check through the national criminal
31    history system (NCIC) if they provide out-of-home care for children, in accordance with Section

- 17 -


1    78-3a-307.1.
2        (2) An owner, director, member of the governing body, employee, provider of care, or
3    volunteer who has a felony conviction may not provide child care, child placing services, foster
4    care, youth programs, substitute care, or institutionalized care for children in facilities or programs
5    licensed by the department.
6        (3) With regard to an owner, director, member of the governing body, employee, or
7    provider of care who has a misdemeanor conviction, the executive director has discretion to
8    determine whether or not that person may provide any child care, child placing, foster care, youth
9    programs, substitute care, or institutionalized care for children in a facility or program licensed by
10    the department.
11        Section 16. Section 62A-4a-607 is amended to read:
12         62A-4a-607. Promotion of adoption.
13        (1) The division and all agencies licensed under this part shall promote adoption when that
14    is a possible and appropriate alternative for a child. Specifically, the division shall actively
15    promote the adoption of all children in its custody who have a [permanency goal of] final plan for
16    termination of parental rights pursuant to Section 78-3a-312, or a permanency goal of adoption
17    [and who are eligible for adoption].
18        (2) The division shall obtain or conduct research of prior adoptive families to determine
19    what families may do to be successful with their adoptive children and shall make this research
20    available to potential adoptive parents.
21        Section 17. Section 62A-12-282.1 is amended to read:
22         62A-12-282.1. Residential and inpatient settings -- Commitment proceeding -- Child
23     in physical custody of local mental health authority.
24        (1) A child may receive services from a local mental health authority in an inpatient or
25    residential setting only after a commitment proceeding, for the purpose of transferring physical
26    custody, has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section.
27        (2) That commitment proceeding shall be initiated by a petition for commitment, and shall
28    be a careful, diagnostic inquiry, conducted by a neutral and detached fact finder, pursuant to the
29    procedures and requirements of this section. If the findings described in Subsection (4) exist, the
30    proceeding shall result in the transfer of physical custody to the appropriate local mental health
31    authority, and the child may be placed in an inpatient or residential setting.

- 18 -


1        (3) The neutral and detached fact finder who conducts the inquiry:
2        (a) shall be a designated examiner, as defined in Subsection 62A-12-202(3); and
3        (b) may not profit, financially or otherwise, from the commitment or physical placement
4    of the child in that setting.
5        (4) Upon determination by the fact finder that the following circumstances clearly exist,
6    he may order that the child be committed to the physical custody of a local mental health authority:
7        (a) the child has a mental illness, as defined in Subsection 62A-12-202(8);
8        (b) the child demonstrates a risk of harm to himself or others;
9        (c ) the child is experiencing significant impairment in his ability to perform socially;
10        (d) the child will benefit from care and treatment by the local mental health authority; and
11        (e) there is no appropriate less-restrictive alternative.
12        (5) (a) The commitment proceeding before the neutral and detached fact finder shall be
13    conducted in as informal manner as possible, and in a physical setting that is not likely to have a
14    harmful effect on the child.
15        (b) The child, the child's parent or legal guardian, the person who submitted the petition
16    for commitment, and a representative of the appropriate local mental health authority shall all
17    receive informal notice of the date and time of the proceeding. Those parties shall also be afforded
18    an opportunity to appear and to address the petition for commitment.
19        (c) The neutral and detached fact finder may, in his discretion, receive the testimony of
20    any other person.
21        (d) The fact finder may allow the child to waive his right to be present at the commitment
22    proceeding, for good cause shown. If that right is waived, the purpose of the waiver shall be made
23    a matter of record at the proceeding.
24        (e) At the time of the commitment proceeding, the appropriate local mental health
25    authority, its designee, or the psychiatrist who has been in charge of the child's care prior to the
26    commitment proceeding, shall provide the neutral and detached fact finder with the following
27    information, as it relates to the period of current admission:
28        (i) the petition for commitment;
29        (ii) the admission notes;
30        (iii) the child's diagnosis;
31        (iv) physicians' orders;

- 19 -


1        (v) progress notes;
2        (vi) nursing notes; and
3        (vii) medication records.
4        (f) The information described in Subsection (e) shall also be provided to the child's parent
5    or legal guardian upon written request.
6        (g) (i) The neutral and detached fact finder's decision of commitment shall state the
7    duration of the commitment. Any commitment to the physical custody of a local mental health
8    authority may not exceed 180 days. Prior to expiration of the commitment, and if further
9    commitment is sought, a hearing shall be conducted in the same manner as the initial commitment
10    proceeding, in accordance with the requirements of this section.
11        (ii) When a decision for commitment is made, the neutral and detached fact finder shall
12    inform the child and his parent or legal guardian of that decision, and of the reasons for ordering
13    commitment at the conclusion of the hearing, and also in writing.
14        (iii) The neutral and detached fact finder shall state in writing the basis of his decision,
15    with specific reference to each of the criteria described in Subsection (4), as a matter of record.
16        (6) Absent the procedures and findings required by this section, a child may be temporarily
17    committed to the physical custody of a local mental health authority only in accordance with the
18    emergency procedures described in Subsection 62A-12-232(1) or (2). A child temporarily
19    committed in accordance with those emergency procedures may be held for a maximum of 72
20    hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. At the expiration of that time period, the
21    child shall be released unless the procedures and findings required by this section have been
22    satisfied.
23        (7) A local mental health authority shall have physical custody of each child committed
24    to it under this section. The parent or legal guardian of a child committed to the physical custody
25    of a local mental health authority under this section, retains legal custody of the child, unless legal
26    custody has been otherwise modified by a court of competent jurisdiction. In cases when the
27    Division of Family Services or the Division of Youth Corrections has legal custody of a child, that
28    division shall retain legal custody for purposes of this part.
29        (8) The cost of caring for and maintaining a child in the physical custody of a local mental
30    health authority shall be assessed to and paid by the child's parents, according to their ability to
31    pay. For purposes of this section, the Division of Child and Family Services or the Division of

- 20 -


1    Youth Corrections shall be financially responsible, in addition to the child's parents, if the child
2    is in the legal custody of either of those divisions at the time the child is committed to the physical
3    custody of a local mental health authority under this section, unless Medicaid regulation or
4    contract provisions specify otherwise. The Office of Recovery Services shall assist those divisions
5    in collecting the costs assessed pursuant to this section.
6        (9) Whenever application is made for commitment of a minor to a local mental health
7    authority under any provision of this section by a person other than the child's parent or guardian,
8    the local mental health authority or its designee shall notify the child's parent or guardian. The
9    parents shall be provided sufficient time to prepare and appear at any scheduled proceeding.
10        (10) (a) Each child committed pursuant to this section is entitled to an appeal within 30
11    days after any order for commitment. The appeal may be brought on the child's own petition, or
12    that of his parent or legal guardian, to the juvenile court in the district where the child resides or
13    is currently physically located. With regard to a child in the custody of the Division of Child and
14    Family Services or the Division of Youth Corrections, the attorney general's office shall handle
15    the appeal, otherwise the appropriate county attorney's office is responsible for appeals brought
16    pursuant to this subsection.
17        (b) Upon receipt of the petition for appeal, the court shall appoint a designated examiner
18    previously unrelated to the case, to conduct an examination of the child in accordance with the
19    criteria described in Subsection (4), and file a written report with the court. The court shall then
20    conduct an appeal hearing to determine whether the findings described in Subsection (4) exist by
21    clear and convincing evidence.
22        (c) Prior to the time of the appeal hearing, the appropriate local mental health authority,
23    its designee, or the mental health professional who has been in charge of the child's care prior to
24    commitment, shall provide the court and the designated examiner for the appeal hearing with the
25    following information, as it relates to the period of current admission:
26        (i) the original petition for commitment;
27        (ii) admission notes;
28        (iii) diagnosis;
29        (iv) physicians' orders;
30        (v) progress notes;
31        (vi) nursing notes; and

- 21 -


1        (vii) medication records.
2        (d) Both the neutral and detached fact finder and the designated examiner appointed for
3    the appeal hearing shall be provided with an opportunity to review the most current information
4    described in Subsection (10)(c) prior to the appeal hearing.
5        (e) The child, his parent or legal guardian, the person who submitted the original petition
6    for commitment, and a representative of the appropriate local mental health authority shall be
7    notified by the court of the date and time of the appeal hearing. Those persons shall be afforded
8    an opportunity to appear at the hearing. In reaching its decision, the court shall review the record
9    and findings of the neutral and detached fact finder, the report of the designated examiner
10    appointed pursuant to Subsection (10)(b), and may, in its discretion, allow or require the testimony
11    of the neutral and detached fact finder, the designated examiner, the child, the child's parent or
12    legal guardian, the person who brought the initial petition for commitment, or any other person
13    whose testimony the court deems relevant. The court may allow the child to waive his right to
14    appear at the appeal hearing, for good cause shown. If that waiver is granted, the purpose shall be
15    made a part of the court's record.
16        (11) Each local mental health authority has an affirmative duty to conduct periodic
17    evaluations of the mental health and treatment progress of every child committed to its physical
18    custody under this section, and to release any child who has sufficiently improved so that the
19    criteria justifying commitment no longer exist.
20        (12) (a) A local mental health authority or its designee, in conjunction with the child's
21    current treating mental health professional may release an improved child to a less restrictive
22    environment, as they determine appropriate. Whenever the local mental health authority or its
23    designee, and the child's current treating mental health professional, determine that the conditions
24    justifying commitment no longer exist, the child shall be discharged and released to his parent or
25    legal guardian. With regard to a child who is in the physical custody of the State Hospital, the
26    treating psychiatrist or clinical director of the State Hospital shall be the child's current treating
27    mental health professional.
28        (b) A local mental health authority or its designee, in conjunction with the child's current
29    treating mental health professional, is authorized to issue a written order for the immediate
30    placement of a child not previously released from an order of commitment into a more restrictive
31    environment, if the local authority or its designee and the child's current treating mental health

- 22 -


1    professional has reason to believe that the less restrictive environment in which the child has been
2    placed is exacerbating his mental illness, or increasing the risk of harm to himself or others.
3        (c) The written order described in Subsection (12)(b) shall include the reasons for
4    placement in a more restrictive environment and shall authorize any peace officer to take the child
5    into physical custody and transport him to a facility designated by the appropriate local mental
6    health authority in conjunction with the child's current treating mental health professional. Prior
7    to admission to the more restrictive environment, copies of the order shall be personally delivered
8    to the child, his parent or legal guardian, the administrator of the more restrictive environment, or
9    his designee, and the child's former treatment provider or facility.
10        (d) If the child has been in a less restrictive environment for more than 30 days and is
11    aggrieved by the change to a more restrictive environment, the child or his representative may
12    request a review within 30 days of the change, by a neutral and detached fact finder as described
13    in Subsection (3). The fact finder shall determine whether:
14        (i) the less restrictive environment in which the child has been placed is exacerbating his
15    mental illness, or increasing the risk of harm to himself or others; or
16        (ii) the less restrictive environment in which the child has been placed is not exacerbating
17    his mental illness, or increasing the risk of harm to himself or others, in which case the fact finder
18    shall designate that the child remain in the less restrictive environment.
19        (e) Nothing in this section prevents a local mental health authority or its designee, in
20    conjunction with the child's current mental health professional, from discharging a child from
21    commitment or from placing a child in an environment that is less restrictive than that designated
22    by the neutral and detached fact finder.
23        (13) Each local mental health authority or its designee, in conjunction with the child's
24    current treating mental health professional shall discharge any child who, in the opinion of that
25    local authority, or its designee, and the child's current treating mental health professional, no
26    longer meets the criteria specified in Subsection (4), except as provided by Section [78-3a-40]
27    78-3a-520. The local authority and the mental health professional shall assure that any further
28    supportive services required to meet the child's needs upon release will be provided.
29        (14) Even though a child has been committed to the physical custody of a local mental
30    health authority pursuant to this section, the child is still entitled to additional due process
31    proceedings, in accordance with Section 62A-12-283.1, before any treatment which may affect a

- 23 -


1    constitutionally protected liberty or privacy interest is administered. Those treatments include, but
2    are not limited to, antipsychotic medication, electroshock therapy, and psychosurgery.
3        Section 18. Section 63-92-3 is amended to read:
4         63-92-3. Establishment -- Pilot program -- Task force -- Members.
5        (1) There is established a pilot program in Davis County designated the Serious Habitual
6    Offender Comprehensive Action Program.
7        (2) The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice shall form a task force to develop
8    recommendations for the program.
9        (3) The task force shall be composed of the following persons, or their designees:
10        (a) the Juvenile Court Administrator for the 2nd Judicial District;
11        (b) the superintendent of the school district;
12        (c) the County Attorney;
13        (d) a member of the county legislative body;
14        (e) the County Sheriff;
15        (f) the Chief of Police of at least four municipalities within the county;
16        (g) the director of the Department of Public Safety;
17        (h) the Chief of Probation for the 2nd District Juvenile Court;
18        (i) the director of the Division of Youth Corrections;
19        (j) the director of the Division of Child and Family Services;
20        (k) the director of [Davis County] the Division of Mental Health; and
21        (l) a member of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice appointed by the
22    executive director.
22a         h Section 19. Section 78-1-2.3 is amended to read:
22b         78-1-2.3.   Number of juvenile judges and jurisdictions.
22c         The number of juvenile court judges shall be:
22d         (1) one juvenile judge in the First Juvenile District;
22e         (2) [four] FIVE juvenile judges in the Second Juvenile District;
22f         (3) eight juvenile judges in the Third Juvenile District;
22g         (4) four juvenile judges in the Fourth Juvenile District;
22h         (5) two juvenile judges in the Fifth Juvenile District; h

- 24 -
lilac-February 28, 1997


22i          h (6) one juvenile judge in the Sixth Juvenile District;
22j         (7) one juvenile judge in the Seventh Juvenile District; and
22k         (8) one juvenile judge in the Eighth Juvenile District. h     
23        Section h [19 ] 20 h . Section 78-3a-102 is amended to read:
24         78-3a-102. Establishment of juvenile court -- Organization and status of court --
25     Purpose.
26        (1) There is established for the state a juvenile court.
27        (2) The juvenile court is a court of record. It shall have a seal, and its judges, clerks, and
28    referees have the power to administer oaths and affirmations.
29        (3) The juvenile court is of equal status with the district courts of the state.
30        (4) The juvenile court is established as a forum for the resolution of all matters properly
31    brought before it, consistent with applicable constitutional and statutory requirements of due
















- 24a -

lilac-February 28, 1997


1    process.
2        (5) The purpose of the court under this chapter is to:
3        (a) promote public safety and individual accountability by the imposition of appropriate
4    sanctions on persons who have committed acts in violation of law;
5        (b) order appropriate measures to promote guidance and control, preferably in the minor's
6    own home, as an aid in the prevention of future unlawful conduct and the development of
7    responsible citizenship;
8        (c) where appropriate, order rehabilitation, reeducation, and treatment for persons who
9    have committed acts bringing them within the court's jurisdiction;
10        (d) adjudicate matters that relate to minors who are beyond parental or adult control and
11    to establish appropriate authority over these minors by means of placement and control orders;
12        (e) adjudicate matters that relate to abused, neglected, and dependent minors and to
13    provide care and protection for these minors by placement, protection, and custody orders;
14        (f) remove a minor from parental custody only where the minor's safety or welfare, or the
15    public safety, may not otherwise be adequately safeguarded; and
16        (g) consistent with the ends of justice, strive to act in the best interests of the minor's in
17    all cases and attempt to preserve and strengthen family ties where possible.
18        Section 20. Section 78-3a-103 is amended to read:
19         78-3a-103. Definitions.
20        (1) As used in this chapter:
21        (a) "Abused child" includes a minor less than 18 years of age who has suffered or been
22    threatened with nonaccidental physical or mental harm, negligent treatment, sexual exploitation,
23    or who has been the victim of any sexual abuse.
24        (b) "Adjudication" means a finding by the court, incorporated in a decree, that the facts
25    alleged in the petition have been proved.
26        (c) "Adult" means a person 18 years of age or over, except that persons 18 years or over
27    under the continuing jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 78-3a-520 shall be
28    referred to as minors.
29        (d) "Board" means the Board of Juvenile Court Judges.
30        (e) "Child placement agency" means:
31        (i) a private agency licensed to receive minors for placement or adoption under this code;

- 25 -


1    or
2        (ii) a private agency receiving minors for placement or adoption in another state, which
3    agency is licensed or approved where such license or approval is required by law.
4        (f) "Commit" means to transfer legal custody.
5        (g) "Court" means the juvenile court.
6        (h) "Dependent child" includes a minor who is homeless or without proper care through
7    no fault of his parent, guardian, or custodian.
8        (i) "Deprivation of custody" means transfer of legal custody by the court from a parent or
9    the parents or a previous legal custodian to another person, agency, or institution.
10        (j) "Detention" means home detention and secure detention as defined in Section
11    62A-7-101 for the temporary care of minors who require secure custody in physically restricting
12    facilities:
13        (i) pending court disposition or transfer to another jurisdiction; or
14        (ii) while under the continuing jurisdiction of the court.
15        (k) "Formal referral" means a written report from a peace officer or other person informing
16    the court that a minor is or appears to be within the court's jurisdiction and that a petition may be
17    filed.
18        (l) "Group rehabilitation therapy" means psychological and social counseling of one or
19    more persons in the group, depending upon the recommendation of the therapist.
20        (m) "Guardianship of the person" includes the authority to consent to marriage, to
21    enlistment in the armed forces, to major medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment, and to legal
22    custody, if legal custody is not vested in another person, agency, or institution.
23        (n) "Legal custody" means a relationship embodying the following rights and duties:
24        (i) the right to physical custody of the minor;
25        (ii) the right and duty to protect, train, and discipline the minor;
26        (iii) the duty to provide the minor with food, clothing, shelter, education, and ordinary
27    medical care;
28        (iv) the right to determine where and with whom the minor shall live; and
29        (v) the right, in an emergency, to authorize surgery or other extraordinary care.
30        (o) "Minor" means a person under the age of 18 years. It includes the term "child" as used
31    in other parts of this chapter.

- 26 -


1        (p) "Natural parent" means a minor's biological or adoptive parent, and includes the
2    minor's noncustodial parent.
3        (q) (i) "Neglected child" means a minor:
4        (A) whose parent, guardian, or custodian has abandoned or subjected the minor to
5    mistreatment or abuse;
6        (B) who lacks proper parental care by reason of the fault or habits of the parent, guardian,
7    or custodian;
8        (C) whose parent, guardian, or custodian fails or refuses to provide proper or necessary
9    subsistence, education, or medical care, including surgery or psychiatric services when required,
10    or any other care necessary for health, safety, morals, or well-being; or
11        (D) who is at risk of being a neglected or abused child as defined in this chapter because
12    another minor in the same home is a neglected or abused child as defined in this chapter.
13        (ii) The aspect of neglect related to education, described in Subsection (1)(q)(i)(C), means
14    that, after receiving notice that a minor has been frequently absent from school without good
15    cause, or that the minor has failed to cooperate with school authorities in a reasonable manner, a
16    parent or guardian fails to make a good faith effort to ensure that the minor receives an appropriate
17    education.
18        (iii) A parent or guardian legitimately practicing religious beliefs and who, for that reason,
19    does not provide specified medical treatment for a minor, is not guilty of neglect.
20        (r) "Nonjudicial adjustment" means closure of the case by the assigned probation officer
21    without judicial determination upon the consent in writing of the minor, the parent, legal guardian
22    or custodian, and the assigned probation officer.
23        (s) "Probation" means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication on
24    the ground of a violation of law or under Section 78-3a-104, whereby the minor is permitted to
25    remain in his home under prescribed conditions and under supervision by the probation department
26    or other agency designated by the court, subject to return to the court for violation of any of the
27    conditions prescribed.
28        (t) "Protective supervision" means a legal status created by court order following an
29    adjudication on the ground of abuse, neglect, or dependency, whereby the minor is permitted to
30    remain in his home, and supervision and assistance to correct the abuse, neglect, or dependency
31    is provided by the probation department or other agency designated by the court.

- 27 -


1        (u) "Residual parental rights and duties" means those rights and duties remaining with the
2    parent after legal custody or guardianship, or both, have been vested in another person or agency,
3    including the responsibility for support, the right to consent to adoption, the right to determine the
4    child's religious affiliation, and the right to reasonable visitation unless restricted by the court. If
5    no guardian has been appointed, "residual parental rights and duties" also include the right to
6    consent to marriage, to enlistment, and to major medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment.
7        (v) "Secure facility" means any facility operated by or under contract with the Division
8    of Youth Corrections, that provides 24-hour supervision and confinement for youth offenders
9    committed to the division for custody and rehabilitation.
10        (w) "Shelter" means the temporary care of minors in physically unrestricted facilities
11    pending court disposition or transfer to another jurisdiction.
12        (x) "Termination of parental rights" means the permanent elimination of all parental rights
13    and duties, including residual parental rights and duties, by court order.
14        (y) "Therapist" means a person employed by a state division or agency for the purpose of
15    conducting psychological treatment and counseling of a minor in its custody, or any other person
16    licensed or approved by the state for the purpose of conducting psychological treatment and
17    counseling.
18        (2) As used in Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings, with regard to the
19    Division of Child and Family Services:
20        (a) "Custody" means the custody of a minor in the Division of Child and Family Services
21    as of the date of disposition.
22        (b) "Protective custody" means the shelter of a minor by the Division of Child and Family
23    Services from the time the minor is removed from home until the shelter hearing, or the minor's
24    return home, whichever occurs earlier.
25        (c) "Temporary custody" means the custody of a minor in the Division of Child and
26    Family Services from the date of the shelter hearing until disposition.
27        (3) In determining whether a minor is neglected or abused, as defined in this section, it
28    may be presumed that the person having the minor under his direct and exclusive care and control
29    at the time of the abuse is responsible for the neglect or abuse.
30        Section 21. Section 78-3a-104 is amended to read:
31         78-3a-104. Jurisdiction of juvenile court -- Original -- Exclusive.

- 28 -


1        (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, the juvenile court has exclusive original
2    jurisdiction in proceedings concerning:
3        (a) a minor who has violated any federal, state, or local law or municipal ordinance or a
4    person younger than 21 years of age who has violated any law or ordinance before becoming 18
5    years of age, regardless of where the violation occurred, excluding traffic laws and ordinances;
6        (b) a person 21 years of age or older who has failed or refused to comply with an order of
7    the juvenile court to pay a fine or restitution, if the order was imposed prior to the person's 21st
8    birthday; however, the continuing jurisdiction is limited to causing compliance with existing
9    orders;
10        (c) a minor who is abused, neglected, or dependent, as those terms are defined in Section
11    78-3a-103;
12        (d) the determination of the custody of a minor or to appoint a guardian of the person or
13    other guardian of a minor who comes within the court's jurisdiction under other provisions of this
14    section;
15        (e) the termination of the legal parent-child relationship in accordance with Part 4,
16    Termination of Parental Rights Act, including termination of residual parental rights and duties;
17        (f) the treatment or commitment of a mentally retarded minor;
18        (g) a minor who, in defiance of earnest and persistent efforts on the part of his parents and
19    school authorities as required under Section 53A-11-103, is a habitual truant from school;
20        (h) the judicial consent to the marriage of a minor under age 16 upon a determination of
21    voluntariness or where otherwise required by law, employment, or enlistment of a minor when
22    consent is required by law;
23        (i) any parent or parents of a minor committed to a secure youth corrections facility, to
24    order, at the discretion of the court and on the recommendation of a secure youth corrections
25    facility, the parent or parents of a minor committed to a secure youth corrections facility for a
26    custodial term, to undergo group rehabilitation therapy under the direction of a secure youth
27    corrections facility therapist, who has supervision of that parent's or parents' minor, or any other
28    therapist the court may direct, for a period directed by the court as recommended by a secure youth
29    corrections facility;
30        (j) a minor under Title 55, Chapter 12, Interstate Compact on Juveniles;
31        (k) the treatment or commitment of a mentally ill child. The court may commit a child to

- 29 -


1    the physical custody of a local mental health authority or to the legal custody of the Division of
2    Mental Health in accordance with the procedures and requirements of Title 62A, Chapter 12, Part
3    2A, Commitment of Persons Under Age 18 to Division of Mental Health. The court may not
4    commit a child directly to the Utah State Hospital; and
5        (l) the commitment of a minor in accordance with Section 62A-8-501.
6        (2) In addition to the provisions of Subsection (1)(a) the juvenile court has exclusive
7    jurisdiction over any traffic offense committed by a minor under 16 years of age and concurrent
8    jurisdiction over the following traffic offenses committed by a minor 16 years of age or older:
9        (a) Section 76-5-207, automobile homicide;
10        (b) Section 41-6-44, operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
11        (c) Section 41-6-45, reckless driving;
12        (d) Section 41-1a-1311, unauthorized control over a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer;
13        (e) Section 41-1a-1314, unauthorized control over a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer
14    for an extended period of time; and
15        (f) Section 41-6-13.5, fleeing a peace officer.
16        (3) The court also has jurisdiction over traffic offenses that are part of a single criminal
17    episode filed in a petition that contains an offense over which the court has jurisdiction.
18        (4) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over questions of custody, support, and visitation
19    certified to it by the district court pursuant to Section 78-3a-105.
20        (5) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over an ungovernable or runaway minor who is
21    referred to it by the Division of Child and Family Services or by public or private agencies that
22    contract with the division to provide services to that minor where, despite earnest and persistent
23    efforts by the division or agency, the minor has demonstrated that he:
24        (a) is beyond the control of his parent, guardian, lawful custodian, or school authorities
25    to the extent that his behavior or condition endangers his own welfare or the welfare of others; or
26        (b) has run away from home.
27        (6) This section does not restrict the right of access to the juvenile court by private
28    agencies or other persons.
29        (7) The juvenile court has jurisdiction of all magistrate functions relative to cases arising
30    under Section 78-3a-602.
31        Section 22. Section 78-3a-105 is amended to read:

- 30 -


1         78-3a-105. Concurrent jurisdiction -- District court and juvenile court.
2        (1) The district court or other court exercising jurisdiction over a violation has concurrent
3    jurisdiction with the juvenile court as follows:
4        (a) when a person who is 18 years of age or older and who is under the continuing
5    jurisdiction of the juvenile court under Section 78-3a-516 violates any federal, state, or local law
6    or municipal ordinance; and
7        (b) in adoption proceedings [where], when the court has previously entered an order
8    terminating the rights of a parent, and [the court] finds that adoption is in the best [interests]
9    interest of the minor. Adoption proceedings under this section [follow] shall be conducted in
10    accordance with the [procedure] procedures described in Title 78, Chapter 30, Adoption.
11        (2) The juvenile court has jurisdiction over petitions to modify a minor's birth certificate
12    if the court otherwise has jurisdiction over the minor.
13        (3) (a) This section does not deprive the district court of jurisdiction to appoint a guardian
14    for a minor, or to determine the support, custody, and visitation of a minor upon writ of habeas
15    corpus or when the question of support, custody, and visitation is incidental to the determination
16    of a cause in the district court.
17        (b) However, if a petition involving the same minor is pending in the juvenile court or the
18    juvenile court has previously acquired continuing jurisdiction over the same minor, the district
19    court may certify the question of support, custody, and visitation to the juvenile court for
20    determination.
21        [(4) A district court may at any time decline to pass upon a question of support, custody,
22    and visitation and may certify those questions to the juvenile court.]
23        [(5)] (4) When a question is certified to the juvenile court under Subsection (3) [or (4)],
24    the findings and order of the juvenile court judge are the order of the district court.
25        [(6)] (5) (a) Where a support, custody, or visitation award has been made [in] by a district
26    court in a divorce action or other proceeding, and the jurisdiction of the district court in the case
27    is continuing, the juvenile court may acquire jurisdiction in a case involving the same minor if the
28    minor is dependent, abused, [or] neglected, or otherwise comes within the jurisdiction of the
29    juvenile court under Section 78-3a-104.
30        (b) The juvenile court may, by order, change the custody, support, and visitation rights
31    previously ordered in the district court as necessary to implement the order of the juvenile court

- 31 -


1    for the safety and welfare of the minor. The juvenile court order remains in effect so long as the
2    jurisdiction of the juvenile court continues.
3        [(7) Upon the filing of] (6) When a copy of the findings and order of the juvenile court
4    has been filed with the district court, the findings and order of the juvenile court are binding on
5    the parties to the divorce action as though entered in the district court.
6        Section 23. Section 78-3a-106 is amended to read:
7         78-3a-106. Search warrants and subpoenas -- Authority to issue.
8        (1) The court [shall have] has authority to issue search warrants, subpoenas or
9    investigative subpoenas in criminal cases, delinquency, and abuse, neglect, and dependency
10    proceedings for the same purposes, in the same manner and pursuant to the same procedures [as]
11    set forth in the code of criminal procedure for the issuance of search warrants, subpoenas, or
12    investigative subpoenas in other trial courts in the state.
13        (2) (a) If it appears to the court upon an affidavit sworn to by a peace officer or any other
14    person, and upon the examination of other witnesses, if required by the judge, that there is
15    probable cause to believe that a child is being ill-treated by his parent, guardian, or custodian, or
16    is being detained, ill-treated, or harbored against the desires of his parent, guardian, or custodian,
17    in any place within the jurisdiction of the court, the court may issue a warrant authorizing a peace
18    officer to search for the child.
19        (b) The officer making the search may enter a house or premises by force, if necessary,
20    in order to remove the child.
21        (c) The officer shall then take the child to the place of shelter designated by the court.
22        Section 24. Section 78-3a-301 is amended to read:
23         78-3a-301. Removing a child from his home -- Grounds for removal.
24        (1) The Division of Child and Family Services may not remove a child from the custody
25    of his natural parent unless [that is the least intrusive method available for protecting the child,
26    and] there is substantial cause to believe that any one of the following exist:
27        (a) there is a substantial danger to the physical health or safety of the minor and the
28    minor's physical health or safety may not be protected without removing him from his parent's
29    custody. If a minor has previously been adjudicated as abused, neglected, or dependent, and a
30    subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency occurs, that fact constitutes prima facie
31    evidence that the child cannot safely remain in the custody of his parent;

- 32 -


1        (b) the minor is suffering [severe] emotional damage, as may be indicated by, but not
2    limited to, extreme anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or negative aggressive behavior toward self
3    or others, and there are no reasonable means available by which the minor's emotional health may
4    be protected without removing the minor from the custody of his parent;
5        (c) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been physically or
6    sexually abused, or is deemed to be at substantial risk of being physically or sexually abused, by
7    a parent, a member of the parent's household, or other person known to the parent. If a parent has
8    received actual notice that physical or sexual abuse by a person known to the parent has occurred,
9    and there is evidence that the parent has allowed the child to be in the physical presence of the
10    alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the child is at substantial risk of
11    being physically or sexually abused;
12        (d) the parent is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
13        (e) the minor has been left without any provision for his support;
14        (f) a parent who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not or cannot arrange for
15    safe and appropriate care for the minor;
16        (g) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the minor has been left by the parent is
17    unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the minor, the whereabouts of the parent are
18    unknown, and reasonable efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful;
19        (h) the minor is in immediate need of medical care;
20        (i) the physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended poses a threat to
21    the child's health or safety;
22        (j) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been severely neglected;
23    or
24        (k) the child's welfare is otherwise endangered, as documented by the caseworker.
25        (2) The Division of Child and Family Services may not remove a minor from the custody
26    of his natural parent solely on the basis of educational neglect.
27        Section 25. Section 78-3a-306 is amended to read:
28         78-3a-306. Shelter hearing.
29        (1) A shelter hearing shall be held within 72 hours after removal of a child from his home,
30    excluding weekends and holidays.
31        (2) Upon removal of a child from his home and receipt of that child into protective

- 33 -


1    custody, the division shall issue a notice that contains all of the following:
2        (a) the name and address of the person to whom the notice is directed;
3        (b) the date, time, and place of the shelter hearing;
4        (c) the name of the minor on whose behalf a petition is being brought;
5        (d) a concise statement regarding the allegations and code sections under which the
6    proceeding has been instituted;
7        (e) a statement that the parent or guardian to whom notice is given, and the minor, are
8    entitled to have an attorney present at the shelter hearing, and that if the parent or guardian is
9    indigent and cannot afford an attorney, and desires to be represented by an attorney, one will be
10    provided; and
11        (f) a statement that the parent or guardian is liable for the cost of support of the minor in
12    the protective custody, temporary custody, and custody of the division, and the cost for legal
13    counsel appointed for the parent or guardian under Subsection (2)(e), according to his financial
14    ability.
15        (3) That notice shall be personally served as soon as possible, but at least 24 hours prior
16    to the time set for the shelter hearing, on:
17        (a) the appropriate guardian ad litem; and
18        (b) both parents and any guardian of the minor, unless they cannot be located.
19        (4) The following persons shall be present at the shelter hearing:
20        (a) the child, unless it would be detrimental for the child;
21        (b) the child's parents or guardian, unless they cannot be located, or fail to appear in
22    response to the notice;
23        (c) counsel for the parents, if one has been requested;
24        (d) the child's guardian ad litem;
25        (e) the caseworker from the Division of Child and Family Services who has

been assigned
26    to the case; and
27        (f) the attorney from the attorney general's office who is representing the division.
28        (5) (a) At the shelter hearing, the court shall provide an opportunity for the minor's parent
29    or guardian, if present, and any other person having relevant knowledge, to provide relevant
30    testimony. The court may also provide an opportunity for the minor to testify.
31        (b) The court may consider all relevant evidence, in accordance with the Utah Rules of

- 34 -


1    Juvenile Procedure. The court shall hear relevant evidence presented by the minor, his parent or
2    guardian, the requesting party, or their counsel, but may in its discretion limit testimony and
3    evidence to only that which goes to the issues of removal and the child's need for continued
4    protection.
5        (6) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the division shall report to the
6    court:
7        (a) the reasons why the minor was removed from the parent's or guardian's custody;
8        (b) any services provided to the child and his family in an effort to prevent removal;
9        (c) the need, if any, for continued shelter;
10        (d) the available services that could facilitate the return of the minor to the custody of his
11    parent or guardian; and
12        (e) whether the child has any relatives who may be able and willing to take temporary
13    custody.
14        (7) If necessary to protect the child, preserve the rights of a party, or for other good cause
15    shown, the court may grant no more than one time-limited continuance, not to exceed five judicial
16    days.
17        (8) The court shall order that the minor be released from the protective custody of the
18    division unless it finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that any one of the following exist:
19        (a) there is a substantial danger to the physical health or safety of the minor and the
20    minor's physical health or safety may not be protected without removing him from his parent's
21    custody. If a minor has previously been adjudicated as abused, neglected, or dependent and a
22    subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency occurs, that fact constitutes prima facie
23    evidence that the child cannot safely remain in the custody of his parent;
24        (b) the minor is suffering [severe] emotional damage, as may be indicated by, but is not
25    limited to, extreme anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or negative aggressive behavior toward self
26    or others, and there are no reasonable means available by which the minor's emotional health may
27    be protected without removing the minor from the custody of his parent;
28        (c) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been physically or
29    sexually abused, or is deemed to be at substantial risk of being physically or sexually abused, by
30    a parent, a member of the parent's household, or other person known to the parent. If a parent has
31    received actual notice that physical or sexual abuse by a person known to the parent has occurred,

- 35 -


1    and there is evidence that the parent has allowed the child to be in the physical presence of the
2    alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the child is at substantial risk of
3    being physically or sexually abused;
4        (d) the parent is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
5        (e) the minor has been left without any provision for his support;
6        (f) a parent who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not or cannot arrange for
7    safe and appropriate care for the minor;
8        (g) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the minor has been left by the parent is
9    unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the minor, the whereabouts of the parent are
10    unknown, and reasonable efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful;
11        (h) the minor is in immediate need of medical care;
12        (i) the physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended poses a threat to
13    the child's health or safety; [or]
14        (j) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been severely neglected;
15    or
16        (k) the child's welfare is otherwise endangered.
17        (9) The court shall also make a determination on the record as to whether reasonable
18    efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the minor from his home and
19    whether there are available services that would prevent the need for continued removal. If the
20    court finds that the minor can be safely returned to the custody of his parent or guardian through
21    the provision of those services, it shall place the minor with his parent or guardian and order that
22    those services be provided by the division.
23        (10) Where the division's first contact with the family occurred during an emergency
24    situation in which the child could not safely remain at home, even with reasonable services being
25    provided, the court shall make a finding that [the] any lack of preplacement preventive efforts was
26    reasonable.
27        (11) In cases where obvious sexual abuse or abandonment, or serious physical abuse or
28    neglect are involved, neither division nor the court has any duty to maintain a child in his home,
29    return a child to his home, provide reunification services, or attempt to rehabilitate the offending
30    parent or parents. The court may, however, determine that those services or efforts would be
31    reasonable in specific circumstances, and order the division to provide those services.

- 36 -


1        [(11)] (12) The court may not order continued removal of a minor solely on the basis of
2    educational neglect as described in Subsection 78-3a-103(1)(q)(ii).
3        [(12)] (13) (a) Whenever a court orders continued removal of a minor under this section,
4    it shall state the facts on which that decision is based.
5        (b) If no continued removal is ordered and the minor is returned home, the court shall state
6    the facts on which that decision is based.
7        [(13) In any case, if] (14) If the court finds that continued removal and temporary custody
8    is necessary for the protection of a child because harm may result to the child if he were returned
9    home, it shall order continued removal regardless of any error in the initial removal of the child,
10    or the failure of a party to comply with notice provisions, or any other procedural requirement of
11    this chapter or Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Family Services.
12        Section 26. Section 78-3a-307 is amended to read:
13         78-3a-307. Shelter hearing -- Placement with a noncustodial parent or relative --
14     DCFS custody.
15        (1) (a) [When, at the time of] At the shelter hearing, when the court orders that a child be
16    removed from the custody of his parent in accordance with the requirements of Section 78-3a-306,
17    the court shall first determine whether there is another natural parent, with whom the child was not
18    residing at the time the events or conditions that brought him within the court's jurisdiction
19    occurred, who desires to assume custody of the child. If that parent requests custody, the court
20    shall place the minor with that parent unless it finds that the placement would be unsafe or
21    otherwise detrimental to the child. The provisions of this Subsection (1) are limited by the
22    provisions of Subsection (8)(b).
23        (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 78-3a-103, for purposes of this section
24    "natural parent" includes only a biological or adoptive parent whose consent for adoption would
25    be required pursuant to Section 78-30-4.14.
26        [(b)] (c) (i) The court shall make a specific finding regarding the fitness of that parent to
27    assume custody, and the safety and appropriateness of the placement.
28        [(ii) The court may order the Division of Child and Family Services to conduct an
29    investigation regarding the safety and appropriateness of the placement.]
30        [(iii) If the court orders an investigation by the division, the division] (ii) The court shall,
31    at a minimum, order the division to visit the parent's home, perform criminal background checks

- 37 -


1    described in [accordance with] Sections 78-3a-307.1 and 62A-4a-202.4, and check the division's
2    management information system for any previous reports of abuse or neglect received by the
3    division regarding the parent at issue.
4        (iii) The court may order the Division of Child and Family Services to conduct any further
5    investigation regarding the safety and appropriateness of the placement.
6        (iv) The division shall report its findings in writing to the court.
7        (v) The court may place the child in the temporary custody of the division, pending its
8    determination regarding that placement.
9        (2) If the court orders placement with a parent under Subsection (1), [it] the child and the
10    parent are under the continuing jurisdiction of the court. The court may order that the parent
11    assume custody subject to the supervision of the court, and order that services be provided to the
12    parent from whose custody the child was removed, the parent who has assumed custody, or both.
13    The court may also provide for reasonable visitation with the parent from whose custody the child
14    was removed, if that is in the best interest of the child. The court's order shall be periodically
15    reviewed to determine whether:
16        (a) placement with the parent continues to be in the child's best interest;
17        (b) the child should be returned to the original custodial parent;
18        (c) the child should be placed with a relative, pursuant to Subsection (4); or
19        (d) the child should be placed in the custody of the division.
20        (3) The time [periods] limitations described in Section 78-3a-311 with regard to
21    reunification efforts, apply to children placed with a previously noncustodial parent in accordance
22    with Subsection (1).
23        (4) Legal custody of the child is not affected by an order entered under

Subsection (1) or
24    (2). In order to affect a previous court order regarding legal custody, the party must petition that
25    court for modification of the order.
26        (5) (a) If, at the time of the shelter hearing, a child is removed from the custody of his
27    parent and is not placed in the custody of his other parent, the court shall, at that time, determine
28    whether there is a relative who is able and willing to care for the child. The court may order the
29    Division of Child and Family Services to conduct a reasonable search to determine whether there
30    are relatives of the child who are willing and appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of
31    this [section] part and Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 2, Child Welfare Services, for placement of the

- 38 -


1    child. The child may be placed in the temporary custody of the division pending that
2    determination. This section may not be construed as a guarantee that an identified relative will
3    receive custody of the child. However, preferential consideration may be given to a relative's
4    request for placement of the child, if it is in the best interest of the child, and the provisions of this
5    section are satisfied.
6        (b) (i) If a willing relative is identified pursuant to Subsection (5)(a), the court shall make
7    a specific finding regarding the fitness of that relative to assume custody, and the safety and
8    appropriateness of placement with that relative. [The court may order the Division of Child and
9    Family Services to conduct an investigation regarding the safety and appropriateness of the
10    placement.] In order to be considered a "willing relative" under this section, the relative shall be
11    willing to cooperate if the child's permanency goal is reunification with his parent or parents, and
12    be willing to adopt or take permanent custody of the child if that is determined to be in the best
13    interest of the child.
14        (ii) The court shall, at a minimum, order the division [shall] to conduct criminal
15    background checks described in [accordance with] Sections 78-3a-307.1 and 62A-4a-202.4, visit
16    the relative's home, check the division's management information system for any previous reports
17    of abuse or neglect regarding the relative at issue, report its findings in writing to the court, and
18    provide sufficient information so that the court may determine whether:
19        [(i)] (A) the relative has any history of abusive or neglectful behavior toward other
20    children that may indicate or present a danger to this child;
21        [(ii)] (B) the child is comfortable with the relative;
22        [(iii)] (C) the relative recognizes the parent's history of abuse and is determined to protect
23    the child;
24        [(iv)] (D) the relative is strong enough to resist inappropriate requests by the parent for
25    access to the child, in accordance with court orders;
26        [(v)] (E) the relative is committed to caring for the child as long as necessary; and
27        [(vi)] (F) the relative can provide a secure and stable environment for the child.
28        (iii) The court may order the Division of Child and Family Services to conduct any further
29    investigation regarding the safety and appropriateness of the placement.
30        (c) The court may place the child in the temporary custody of the division, pending the
31    division's investigation pursuant to Subsection (b), and the court's determination regarding that

- 39 -


1    placement. The court shall ultimately base its determination regarding placement with a relative
2    on the best interest of the child.
3        (d) For purposes of this section, "relative" means an adult who is a grandparent, aunt,
4    uncle, or sibling of the child.
5        (6) When the court vests physical custody of a child with a relative pursuant to Subsection
6        [(4)] (5) it shall order that the relative assume custody subject to the continuing supervision
7    of the court, and shall order that any necessary services be provided to the minor and the relative.
8    That placement shall be periodically reviewed by the court to determine whether:
9        (a) placement with the relative continues to be in the child's best interest;
10        (b) the child should be returned home; or
11        (c) the child should be placed in the custody of the division.
12        (7) (a) When the court vests custody of a child with [another parent or] a relative pursuant
13    to [this section, the child is not within the temporary custody or custody of the Division of Child
14    and Family Services. The] Subsection (5), the child[, any parent affected by this section,] is not
15    within the temporary custody or custody of the Division of Child and Family Services. The child
16    and any relative with whom the child is placed, are under the continuing jurisdiction of the court.
17    The court may enter any order that it [deems] considers necessary for the protection and best
18    interest of the child. The time [periods] limitations described in Section 78-3a-311, with regard
19    to reunification efforts, apply to children placed with a relative pursuant to Subsection [(4)] (5).
20        (b) When the court orders that a child be removed from the custody of his parent and does
21    not vest custody in another parent or relative under this section, the court shall order that the child
22    be placed in the temporary custody of the Division of Child and Family Services, to proceed to
23    adjudication and disposition and to be provided with care and services in accordance with this
24    chapter and Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Family Services.
25        (8) (a) Any preferential consideration that a relative may be initially granted pursuant to
26    Subsection [(4)] (5) expires 30 days from the date of the shelter hearing. After that time period
27    has expired, a relative who has not obtained custody or asserted an interest in a child, may not be
28    granted preferential consideration by the division or the court.
29        (b) When a period of 30 days from the date of the shelter hearing has expired, the
30    preferential consideration which may initially be granted to a natural parent in accordance with
31    Subsection (1), is limited. After that time the court shall base its custody decision on the best

- 40 -


1    interest of the child. The court shall take into consideration:
2        (i) the extent of the natural parent's relationship with the child;
3        (ii) whether the natural parent had actual knowledge of the child's removal from the other
4    parent's custody;
5        (iii) whether, in the past, the natural parent has participated in raising the child by taking
6    responsibility for the child, maintaining a relationship with the child, and financially supporting
7    the child in accordance with the parent's abilities; and
8        (iv) the nature and extent of the child's relationships and well-being in his current
9    placement.
10        Section 27. Section 78-3a-307.1 is amended to read:
11         78-3a-307.1. Criminal background checks necessary prior to out-of-home placement.
12        (1) Upon [removing] ordering removal of a child from the custody of his parent and
13    placing that child in the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services, and prior to the
14    [Division of Child and Family Services'] division's placement of that child in out-of-home care,
15    the court shall require the completion of a [fingerprint] background check by the Utah Bureau of
16    Criminal Identification [and the Federal Bureau of Investigation] regarding the proposed
17    placement.
18        (2) (a) The Division of Child and Family Services and the Office of the Guardian ad Litem
19    [are authorized to] Director may request, or the court upon its own motion may order, the
20    Department of Public Safety to conduct a complete Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal
21    background check through the national criminal history system (NCIC).
22        (b) Upon request by the Division of Child and Family Services or the Office of

the
23    Guardian ad Litem Director, or upon the court's order, persons subject to the requirements of
24    Subsection (1) shall submit fingerprints and shall be subject to an FBI fingerprint background
25    check. The child may be temporarily placed, pending the outcome of that background check.
26        (c) The cost of those investigations shall be borne by whoever is to receive placement of
27    the child, except that the Division of Child and Family Services may pay all or part of the cost of
28    those investigations if the person with whom the child is to be placed is unable to pay.
29        Section 28. Section 78-3a-308 is amended to read:
30         78-3a-308. Pretrial and adjudication hearing -- Time deadlines.
31        (1) Upon the filing of a petition, the clerk of the court shall set the pretrial hearing on the

- 41 -


1    petition within 15 calendar days from the date of the shelter hearing.
2        (2) The pretrial may be continued upon motion of any party, for good cause shown, but
3    the final adjudication hearing shall be held no later than [45] 60 calendar days from the date of the
4    shelter hearing.
5        Section 29. Section 78-3a-310 is amended to read:
6         78-3a-310. Adjudication -- Dispositional hearing -- Time deadlines.
7        (1) If, at the adjudication hearing, the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that
8    the allegations contained in the petition are true, it shall conduct a dispositional hearing.
9        (2) The dispositional hearing may be held on the same date as the adjudication hearing,
10    but shall be held no later than 30 calendar days after the date of the adjudication hearing.
11        (3) At the adjudication hearing or the dispositional hearing the court shall schedule or
12    direct the scheduling of dates for:
13        (a) the six month periodic review; and
14        (b) the permanency hearing.
15        Section 30. Section 78-3a-311 is amended to read:
16         78-3a-311. Dispositional hearing -- Reunification services -- Exceptions.
17        (1) The court may make any of the dispositions described in Section 78-3a-516, place the
18    child in the custody or guardianship of any individual or public or private entity or agency, order
19    protective supervision, family preservation, medical or mental health treatment, or other services.
20        (2) (a) [Except as provided in Subsection (3), whenever] Whenever the court orders
21    continued removal at the dispositional hearing, and that the minor remain in the custody of the
22    Division of Child and Family Services, it shall first determine whether reunification services are
23    appropriate for the child and the child's family, pursuant to Subsection (3). In cases where obvious
24    sexual abuse or abandonment, or serious physical abuse or neglect are involved, neither the
25    division nor the court has any duty to provide reunification services, or to attempt to rehabilitate
26    the offending parent or parents. If the court determines that reunification services are appropriate,
27    however, it shall order that the division make reasonable efforts to provide services to the minor
28    and his parent for the purpose of facilitating reunification of the family, [within a maximum] for
29    a specified period of time. That time period may not [to] exceed 12 months from the date that the
30    child was initially removed from his home [by the division]. Nothing in this section may be
31    construed to entitle any parent to an entire 12 months of reunification services. If reunification

- 42 -


1    services have been ordered, the court may terminate those services at any time.
2        (b) Any physical custody of the minor by the parent or a relative during the period
3    described in Subsection (a) does not interrupt the running of the period.
4        (c) [At the expiration of the 12 month period described in Subsection (a), a dispositional
5    review] (i) If reunification services have been ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted
6    by the court in accordance with Section 78-3a-312 at the expiration of the time period for
7    reunification services. The permanency hearing shall be held no later than 12 months after the
8    original removal of the child. [If at that time the child cannot be safely returned to the care and
9    custody of his parent without court supervision, a permanency plan for the child shall be finalized.
10    If the child clearly desires contact with the parent, the court shall take the child's desire into
11    consideration in determining the permanency plan.]
12        (ii) If reunification services have not been ordered, a permanency hearing shall be
13    conducted within 90 days, in accordance with Section 78-3a-312.
14        (d) With regard to a child who is two years of age or younger at the time the court orders
15    reunification services, the court [may order] shall consider ordering the discontinuance of those
16    services after six months if the parent or parents have not made substantial efforts to comply with
17    the treatment plan. The burden is upon the parents, and the division if it supports continued
18    reunification services, to show that the parents have made substantial efforts to comply with the
19    plan during the first six months of reunification services.
20        (3) (a) Because of the state's interest in and responsibility to protect and provide
21    permanency for children who are abused, neglected, or dependent, the Legislature finds that a
22    parent's interest in receiving reunification services is limited. The court may, under any
23    circumstances, determine that efforts to reunify a child with his family are not reasonable or
24    appropriate, based on the individual circumstances, and that reunification services [need] should
25    not be provided. [In any case, there]
26        (b) There is a presumption that reunification services should not be provided to a parent
27    if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that any of the following circumstances exist:
28        [(a)] (i) the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, based upon a verified affidavit
29    indicating that a reasonably diligent search has failed to locate the parent;
30        [(b)] (ii) the parent is suffering from a mental illness of such magnitude that it renders him
31    incapable of utilizing [those] reunification services; that finding shall be based on competent

- 43 -


1    evidence from mental health professionals establishing that, even with the provision of services,
2    the parent is unlikely to be capable of adequately caring for the child within 12 months;
3        [(c)] (iii) the minor has been previously adjudicated as an abused child due to physical or
4    sexual abuse, that following the adjudication the child was removed from the custody of his parent,
5    was subsequently returned to the custody of that parent, and the minor is being removed due to
6    additional physical or sexual abuse;
7        [(d)] (iv) the parent has been convicted of causing the death of another child through abuse
8    or neglect;
9        [(e)] (v) the minor has suffered severe abuse by the parent or by any person known by the
10    parent, if the parent knew or reasonably should have known that the person was abusing the minor;
11        [(f)] (vi) the minor has been adjudicated an abused child as a result of severe abuse by the
12    parent, and the court finds that it would not benefit the child to pursue reunification services with
13    the offending parent;
14        [(g)] (vii) the parent's rights have been terminated with regard to any other child;
15        [(h)] (viii) the child has been removed from his home on at least two previous occasions
16    and reunification services were offered or provided to the family at those times; or
17        [(i)] (ix) any other circumstance that the court determines should preclude reunification
18    efforts or services, including any proven ground for termination of parental rights.
19        (4) (a) Failure of the parent to respond to previous services or comply with any previous
20    treatment plan, the fact that the child was abused while the parent was under the influence of drugs
21    or alcohol, a past history of violent behavior, whether a parent continues to live with an individual
22    who abused the child, any patterns of the parent's behavior that have exposed the child to repeated
23    abuse, or testimony by a competent professional that the parent's behavior is unlikely to be
24    successful, [are relevant factors to consider] shall be considered in determining whether
25    reunification services [should be ordered] are appropriate.
26        (b) The court shall also consider whether the parent has expressed an interest in
27    reunification with the child, in determining whether [to order that] reunification services [be
28    provided] are appropriate.
29        (5) If reunification services are not ordered pursuant to Subsection (3)(a), and the
30    whereabouts of a parent become known within six months of the out-of-home placement of the
31    minor, the court may order the division to provide reunification services. The time limits

- 44 -


1    described in Subsection (2), however, are not tolled by the parent's absence.
2        (6) If a parent is incarcerated or institutionalized, the court shall order reasonable services
3    unless it determines that those services would be detrimental to the minor. In determining
4    detriment, the court shall consider the age of the child, the degree of parent-child bonding, the
5    length of the sentence, the nature of the treatment, the nature of the crime or illness, the degree of
6    detriment to the child if services are not offered and, for minors ten years of age or older, the
7    minor's attitude toward the implementation of family reunification services, and any other
8    appropriate factors. Reunification services for an incarcerated [or institutionalized] parent are
9    subject to the 12-month limitation imposed in Subsection (2). Reunification services for an
10    institutionalized parent are subject to the 12-month limitation imposed in Subsection (2), unless
11    the court determines that continued reunification services would be in the child's best interest.
12        (7) If, pursuant to Subsection (3)(b)[, (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), or (i)](ii), (iii), (iv),(v), (vi),
13    (vii), (viii), or (ix), the court does not order reunification services, a permanency hearing shall be
14    conducted within [120] 90 days [for establishment of a permanency plan for the child], in
15    accordance with [Subsection] Section 78-3a-312[(3)].
16        Section 31. Section 78-3a-312 is amended to read:
17         78-3a-312. Permanency hearing -- Final plan -- Petition for termination of parental
18     rights filed -- Hearing on termination of parental rights.
19        (1) A [dispositional review] permanency hearing shall be held by the court no later than
20    12 months after the original removal of the child.
21        (2) (a) If reunification services were ordered by the court in accordance with Section
22    78-3a-311, the court shall [order that] determine whether the child may safely be returned to the
23    custody of his parent [unless it]. If the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that return
24    of the child would create a substantial risk of detriment to [his] the child's physical or emotional
25    well-being, the child may not be returned to the custody of his parent. The failure of a parent or
26    guardian to participate in, comply with, in whole or in part, or to meet the goals of a court
27    approved treatment plan constitutes prima facie evidence that return of the child to that parent
28    would [be detrimental] create a substantial risk of detriment.
29        (b) In making a determination under this section, the court shall review the report prepared
30    by the Division of Child and Family Services, a report prepared by the child's guardian ad litem,
31    any report prepared by a foster care citizen review board pursuant to Section 78-3g-103, any

- 45 -


1    evidence regarding the efforts or progress demonstrated by the parent, and the extent to which the
2    parent cooperated and availed himself of services provided.
3        (c) The court shall determine whether reasonable services have been offered or provided
4    to the parent or guardian.
5        (3) (a) If a child is not returned to his parent or guardian at the [dispositional review]
6    permanency hearing, the court shall[: (a) order the division to develop a permanent plan, and
7    schedule a hearing within 120 days after the dispositional review hearing to] order termination of
8    reunification services to the parent, and make a final determination regarding whether termination
9    of parental rights, adoption, guardianship, or long-term foster care is the most appropriate final
10    plan for the child[;]. If the child clearly desires contact with the parent, the court shall take the
11    child's desire into consideration in determining the final plan.
12        [(b) order termination of reunification services to the parent; and]
13        [(c)] (b) The court may, in its discretion, enter any other order that it determines to be in
14    the best interest of the child. The court may order the division to provide protective supervision
15    or other services to a child and the child's family after the division's custody of a child has been
16    terminated.
17        (4) If the final plan for the child is to proceed toward termination of parental rights, the
18    petition for termination of parental rights shall be filed, and a pretrial held, within 30 calendar days
19    after the permanency hearing. Within 120 calendar days after the date of the permanency hearing,
20    the hearing on termination of parental rights shall be completed.
21        Section 32. Section 78-3a-313 is amended to read:
22         78-3a-313. Periodic review hearings.
23        Following the dispositional review hearing, periodic review hearings shall be held by the
24    court or by a court-approved administrative body within the Division of Child and Family Services
25    at least every six months, in accordance with federal law.
26        Section 33. Section 78-3a-350 is enacted to read:
27    
Part 3A. Minors In Custody on Grounds Other Than Abuse or Neglect

28         78-3a-350. Separate procedures for minors committed to the Division of Child and
29     Family Services on grounds other than abuse or neglect.
30        (1) The processes and procedures described in Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency
31    Proceedings, designed to meet the needs of minors who are abused or neglected, are not applicable

- 46 -


1    to a minor who is committed to the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services on a
2    basis other than abuse or neglect and who are classified in the division's management information
3    system as having been placed in custody primarily on the basis of delinquent behavior or a status
4    offense.
5        (2) The procedures described in Subsection 78-3a-518(2)(a) are applicable to the minors
6    described in Subsection (1).
7        (3) The attorney general's office has the responsibility to represent the division with regard
8    to minors described in Subsection (1) as of July 1, 1997.
9        (4) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of a minor
10    described in Subsection (1).
11        Section 34. Section 78-3a-404 is amended to read:
12         78-3a-404. Petition -- Who may file.
13        (1) [(a)] Any interested party, including a foster parent, may file a petition for termination
14    of the parent-child relationship with regard to a child.
15        [(b) A child's foster parent may file a petition for termination of parental rights so long as
16    that foster parent intends to pursue adoption and has had physical custody of the child for one year
17    or longer. A foster parent does not lose standing to file a petition under this section solely because
18    the division removes the child from that home.]
19        (2) The attorney general shall file a petition for termination of parental rights under this
20    part on behalf of the division.
21        Section 35. Section 78-3a-408 is amended to read:
22         78-3a-408. Evidence of grounds for termination.
23        (1) In determining whether a parent or parents have abandoned a child, it is

prima facie
24    evidence of abandonment that the parent or parents:
25        (a) although having legal custody of the child, have surrendered physical custody of the
26    child, and for a period of six months following the surrender have not manifested to the child or
27    to the person having the physical custody of the child a firm intention to resume physical custody
28    or to make arrangements for the care of the child; [or]
29        (b) have failed to communicate with the child by mail, telephone, or otherwise for six
30    months; or
31        (c) failed to have shown the normal interest of a natural parent, without just cause.

- 47 -


1        (2) In determining whether a parent or parents are unfit or have neglected a child the court
2    shall consider, but is not limited to, the following conditions:
3        (a) emotional illness, mental illness, or mental deficiency of the parent that renders him
4    unable to care for the immediate and continuing physical or emotional needs of the child for
5    extended periods of time;
6        (b) conduct toward a child of a physically, emotionally, or sexually cruel or abusive
7    nature;
8        (c) habitual or excessive use of intoxicating liquors, controlled substances, or dangerous
9    drugs that render the parent unable to care for the child;
10        (d) repeated or continuous failure to provide the child with adequate food, clothing,
11    shelter, education, or other care necessary for his physical, mental, and emotional health and
12    development by a parent or parents who are capable of providing that care. However, a parent
13    who, legitimately practicing his religious beliefs, does not provide specified medical treatment for
14    a child is not for that reason alone a negligent or unfit parent;
15        (e) with regard to a child who is in the custody of the division, if the parent is incarcerated
16    as a result of conviction of a felony, and the sentence is of such length that the child will be
17    deprived of a normal home for more than one year; or
18        (f) a history of violent behavior.
19        (3) If a child has been placed in the custody of the division and the parent or parents fail
20    to comply substantially with the terms and conditions of a plan [to reunite the family] within six
21    months after the date on which the child was placed or the plan was commenced,

whichever occurs
22    later, that failure to comply is evidence of failure of parental adjustment.
23        (4) The following circumstances constitute prima facie evidence of unfitness:
24        (a) sexual abuse, injury, or death of a sibling of the child due to known or substantiated
25    abuse or neglect by the parent or parents;
26        (b) conviction of a felony, if the facts of the crime are of such a nature as to indicate the
27    unfitness of the parent to provide adequate care to the extent necessary for the child's physical,
28    mental, or emotional health and development; or
29        (c) a single incident of life-threatening or gravely disabling injury to or disfigurement of
30    the child.
31        Section 36. Section 78-3a-409 is amended to read:

- 48 -


1         78-3a-409. Specific considerations where child is not in physical custody of parent.
2        (1) If a child is not in the physical custody of the parent or parents, the court, in
3    determining whether parental rights should be terminated shall consider, but is not limited to, the
4    following:
5        (a) only in cases where the petition for termination is based solely on the grounds of failure
6    of parental adjustment, the court shall consider the services provided or offered to the parent or
7    parents to facilitate a reunion with the child;
8        (b) the physical, mental, or emotional condition and needs of the child and his desires
9    regarding the termination, if the court determines he is of sufficient capacity to express his desires;
10    and
11        (c) the effort the parent or parents have made to adjust their circumstances, conduct, or
12    conditions to make it in the child's best interest to return him to his home after a reasonable length
13    of time, including but not limited to:
14        (i) payment of a reasonable portion of substitute physical care and maintenance, if
15    financially able;
16        (ii) maintenance of regular visitation or other contact with the child that was designed and
17    carried out in a plan to reunite the child with the parent or parents; and
18        (iii) maintenance of regular contact and communication with the custodian of the child.
19        (2) For purposes of this section, the court shall disregard incidental conduct, contributions,
20    contacts, and communications.
21        Section 37. Section 78-3a-504 is amended to read:
22         78-3a-504. Title of petition and other court documents -- Form and

contents of
23     petition -- Order for temporary custody -- Physical or psychological examination of minor,
24     parent, or guardian -- Dismissal of petition.
25        (1) The petition and all subsequent court documents in the proceeding shall be entitled:
26        "State of Utah, in the interest of ...................., a person under 18 years of age (or a person
27    under 21 years of age)."
28        (2) The petition shall be verified and statements in the petition may be made upon
29    information and belief.
30        (3) The petition shall be written in simple and brief language and include the facts which
31    bring the minor within the jurisdiction of the court, as provided in Section 78-3a-104.

- 49 -


1        (4) The petition shall further state:
2        (a) the name, age, and residence of the minor;
3        (b) the names and residences of the minor's parents;
4        (c) the name and residence of the guardian, if there is one;
5        (d) the name and address of the nearest known relative, if no parent or guardian is known;
6    and
7        (e) the name and residence of the person having physical custody of the minor. If any of
8    the facts required are not known by the petitioner, the petition shall so state.
9        (5) At any time after a petition is filed, the court may make an order providing for
10    temporary custody of the minor.
11        (6) The court may order that a minor concerning whom a petition has been filed shall be
12    examined by a physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, or psychologist and may place the minor in a
13    hospital or other facility for examination. After notice and a hearing set for the specific purpose,
14    the court may order a similar examination of a parent or guardian whose ability to care for a minor
15    is at issue, if the court finds from the evidence presented at the hearing that the parent's or
16    guardian's physical, mental, or emotional condition may be a factor in causing the neglect,
17    dependency, or delinquency of the minor.
18        (7) Pursuant to Rule 506(d)(3), Utah Rules of Evidence, examinations conducted pursuant
19    to Subsection (6) are not privileged communications, but are exempt from the general rule of
20    privilege.
21        [(7)] (8) The court may dismiss a petition at any stage of the proceedings.
22        Section 38. Section 78-3a-512 is amended to read:
23         78-3a-512. Hearings -- Record -- County attorney or district attorney

responsibilities
24     -- Attorney general responsibilities -- Admissibility of evidence.
25        (1) A verbatim record of the proceedings shall be taken by an official court reporter or by
26    means of a mechanical recording device in all cases that might result in deprivation of custody as
27    defined in this chapter. In all other cases a verbatim record shall also be made unless dispensed
28    with by the court.
29        (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), the county attorney or, if within a
30    prosecution district, the district attorney shall represent the state in any proceeding in a minor's
31    case.

- 50 -


1        (b) The attorney general shall enforce all provisions of Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Family
2    Services, and Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile Courts, relating to protection or custody of an abused,
3    neglected, or dependent child, and petitions for termination of parental rights.
4        (3) The board may adopt special rules of procedure to govern proceedings involving
5    violations of traffic laws or ordinances, fish and game laws, and boating laws. However,
6    proceedings involving offenses under Section 78-3a-517 are governed by that section regarding
7    suspension of driving privileges.
8        (4) For the [purpose] purposes of determining proper disposition of the minor in
9    dispositional hearings and for [the purpose of] establishing the fact of abuse, neglect, or
10    dependency in adjudication hearings and in hearings upon petitions for termination of parental
11    rights, written reports and other material relating to the minor's mental, physical, and social history
12    and condition may be received in evidence and may be considered by the court along with other
13    evidence. The court may require that the person who wrote the report or prepared the material
14    appear as a witness if the person is reasonably available.
15        (5) For the purpose of establishing the fact of abuse, neglect, or dependency, the court
16    may, in its discretion, consider evidence of statements made by a minor under eight years of age
17    to a person in a trust relationship.
18        Section 39. Section 78-3a-516 is amended to read:
19         78-3a-516. Adjudication of jurisdiction of juvenile court -- Disposition of cases --
20     Enumeration of possible court orders -- Considerations of court.
21        (1) (a) When a minor is found to come within the provisions of Section 78-3a-104, the
22    court shall so adjudicate. The court shall make a finding of the facts upon which it

bases its
23    jurisdiction over the minor. However, in cases within the provisions of Subsection 78-3a-104(1),
24    findings of fact are not necessary.
25        (b) If the court adjudicates a minor for a crime of violence or an offense in violation of
26    Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 5, Weapons, it shall order that notice of the adjudication be provided to
27    the school superintendent of the district in which the minor resides or attends school. Notice shall
28    be made to the district superintendent within three days and shall include the specific offenses for
29    which the minor was adjudicated.
30        (2) Upon adjudication the court may make the following dispositions by court order:
31        (a) (i) The court may place the minor on probation or under protective supervision in his

- 51 -


1    own home and upon conditions determined by the court, including community service as provided
2    in Section 78-11-20.7.
3        (ii) If the court orders probation, the court shall direct that notice of its order be provided
4    to designated persons in the local law enforcement agency and the school or transferee school, if
5    applicable, which the minor attends. The designated persons may receive the information for
6    purposes of the minor's supervision and student safety.
7        (iii) Any employee of the local law enforcement agency and the school which the minor
8    attends who discloses the court's order of probation is not:
9        (A) civilly liable except when the disclosure constitutes fraud or malice as provided in
10    Section 63-30-4; and
11        (B) civilly or criminally liable except when the disclosure constitutes a knowing violation
12    of Section 63-2-801.
13        (b) The court may place the minor in the legal custody of a relative or other suitable
14    person, with or without probation or protective supervision, but the juvenile court may not assume
15    the function of developing foster home services.
16        (c) (i) The court may vest legal custody of the minor in the Division of Child and Family
17    Services, Division of Youth Corrections, or the Division of Mental Health, and may order the
18    Department of Human Services to provide dispositional recommendations and services.
19        (ii) Minors who are committed to the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services
20    on grounds other than abuse or neglect are subject to the provisions of Part 3A and Title 62A,
21    Chapter 4a, Part 2A.
22        (d) (i) The court may commit the minor to the Division of Youth Corrections for secure
23    confinement.
24        (ii) A minor under the jurisdiction of the court solely on the ground of abuse, neglect, or
25    dependency under Subsection 78-3a-104(1)(c) may not be committed to the Division of Youth
26    Corrections.
27        (e) The court may commit the minor, subject to the court retaining continuing jurisdiction
28    over him, to the temporary custody of the Division of Youth Corrections for observation and
29    evaluation for a period not to exceed 90 days.
30        (f) (i) The court may commit the minor to the Division of Youth Corrections for a period
31    not to exceed 30 days subject to the court retaining continuing jurisdiction over him. Notification

- 52 -


1    of home detention, if applicable under this subsection, shall be provided pursuant to Subsection
2    78-3a-508(5).
3        (ii) Subsection (2)(f) applies only to those minors adjudicated for an act which if
4    committed by an adult would be a criminal offense. This commitment may be stayed or suspended
5    upon conditions ordered by the court.
6        (g) The court may vest legal custody of an abused, neglected, or dependent minor in the
7    Division of Child and Family Services or any other appropriate person in accordance with the
8    requirements and procedures of Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings.
9        (h) The court may place the minor on a ranch or forestry camp, or similar facility for care
10    and also for work, if possible, if the person, agency, or association operating the facility has been
11    approved or has otherwise complied with all applicable state and local laws. A minor placed in
12    a forestry camp or similar facility may be required to work on fire prevention, forestation and
13    reforestation, recreational works, forest roads, and on other works on or off the grounds of the
14    facility and may be paid wages, subject to the approval of and under conditions set by the court.
15        (i) The court may order that the minor be required to repair, replace, or otherwise make
16    restitution for damage or loss caused by his wrongful act, including costs of treatment as stated in
17    Section 78-3a-318, and may impose fines in limited amounts.
18        (j) The court may issue orders necessary for the collection of restitution and fines ordered
19    by the court, including garnishments, wage withholdings, and executions.
20        (k) (i) The court may through its probation department encourage the

development of
21    employment or work programs to enable minors to fulfill their obligations under Subsection (2)(i)
22    and for other purposes considered desirable by the court.
23        (ii) Consistent with the order of the court, the probation officer may permit the minor
24    found to be within the jurisdiction of the court to participate in a program of work restitution or
25    community service in lieu of paying part or all of the fine imposed by the court. The work
26    restitution or community service permitted by the probation officer may not affect the amount of
27    the surcharge.
28        (l) In violations of traffic laws within the court's jurisdiction, the court may, in addition
29    to any other disposition, restrain the minor from driving for periods of time the court considers
30    necessary and take possession of the minor's driver license. However, proceedings involving an
31    offense under Section 78-3a-517 are governed by that section regarding suspension of driving

- 53 -


1    privileges.
2        (m) (i) When a minor is found within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court under Section
3    78-3a-104 because of violating Section 58-37-8, Title 58, Chapter 37a, Utah Drug Paraphernalia
4    Act, or Title 58, Chapter 37b, Imitation Controlled Substances Act, the court shall, in addition to
5    any fines or fees otherwise imposed, order that the minor perform a minimum of 20 hours, but no
6    more than 100 hours, of community service. Satisfactory completion of an approved substance
7    abuse prevention or treatment program may be credited by the court as community service hours.
8        (ii) When a minor is found within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court under Section
9    78-3a-104 because of a violation of Section 32A-12-209 or Subsection 76-9-701(1), the court may,
10    upon the first adjudication, and shall, upon a second or subsequent adjudication, order that the
11    minor perform a minimum of 20 hours, but no more than 100 hours of community service, in
12    addition to any fines or fees otherwise imposed. Satisfactory completion of an approved substance
13    abuse prevention or treatment program may be credited by the court as community service hours.
14        (n) The court may order that the minor be examined or treated by a physician, surgeon,
15    psychiatrist, or psychologist or that he receive other special care. For these purposes the court may
16    place the minor in a hospital or other suitable facility.
17        (o) (i) The court may appoint a guardian for the minor if it appears necessary in the interest
18    of the minor, and may appoint a public or private institution or agency as guardian in which legal
19    custody of the minor is vested.
20        (ii) In placing a minor under the guardianship or legal custody of an individual or of a
21    private agency or institution, the court shall give primary consideration to the welfare of the minor.
22    When practicable, the court may take into consideration the religious preferences of the minor and
23    of his parents.
24        (p) (i) In support of a decree under Section 78-3a-104, the court may order reasonable
25    conditions to be complied with by the parents or guardian, the minor, his custodian, or any other
26    person who has been made a party to the proceedings. Conditions may include:
27        (A) visitation by the parents or one parent;
28        (B) restrictions on the minor's associates;
29        (C) restrictions on the minor's occupation and other activities; and
30        (D) requirements to be observed by the parents or custodian.
31        (ii) A minor, whose parents or guardians successfully complete a family or other

- 54 -


1    counseling program, may be credited by the court for detention, confinement, or probation time.
2        (q) The court may order the minor to be placed in the legal custody of the Division of
3    Mental Health or committed to the physical custody of a local mental health authority, in
4    accordance with the procedures and requirements of Title 62A, Chapter 12, Part 2A, Commitment
5    of Persons Under Age 18 to Division of Mental Health.
6        (r) The court may make an order committing a minor within its jurisdiction to the Utah
7    State Developmental Center if the minor has been found mentally retarded in accordance with the
8    provisions of Title 62A, Chapter 5, Part 3, Admission to Mental Retardation Facility. The
9    procedure applicable in the district courts with respect to judicial commitments to the Utah State
10    Developmental Center shall be followed by the juvenile court in these cases.
11        (s) The court may terminate all parental rights upon a finding of compliance with the
12    provisions of Part 4, Termination of Parental Rights Act.
13        (t) The court may make any other reasonable orders for the best interest of the minor or
14    as required for the protection of the public, except that a person younger than 18 years of age may
15    not be committed to jail or prison, and offenses under Section 78-3a-517 are governed by that
16    section regarding suspension of driving privileges.
17        (u) The court may combine several of the above-listed modes of disposition if they are
18    compatible.
19        (v) Before depriving any parent of custody, the court shall give due consideration to the
20    rights of parents concerning their minors. The court may transfer custody to another

person,
21    agency, or institution in accordance with the requirements and procedures of Part 3.
22        (w) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(y)(i), an order under this section for probation
23    or placement of a minor with an individual or an agency shall include a date certain for a review
24    of the case by the court. A new date shall be set upon each review.
25        (x) In reviewing foster home placements, special attention shall be given to making
26    adoptable minors available for adoption without delay.
27        (y) (i) The juvenile court may enter an order of permanent custody and guardianship with
28    a relative or individual of a minor where the court has previously acquired jurisdiction as a result
29    of an adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency, excluding cases arising under Subsection
30    78-3a-105(4).
31        (ii) Such orders remain in effect until the minor reaches majority and are not subject to

- 55 -


1    review under Section 78-3a-518, but may be modified by petition or motion as provided in Section
2    78-3a-903.
3        (iii) Orders permanently terminating the rights of a parent, guardian, or custodian and
4    permanent orders of custody and guardianship do not expire with a termination of jurisdiction of
5    the juvenile court.
6        Section 40. Section 78-3a-518 is amended to read:
7         78-3a-518. Period of operation of judgment, decree, or order -- Rights and
8     responsibilities of agency or individual granted legal custody.
9        (1) A judgment, order, or decree of the juvenile court does not operate after the minor
10    becomes 21 years of age, except for:
11        (a) orders of commitment to the Utah State Developmental Center or to the custody of the
12    Division of Mental Health;
13        (b) adoption orders under Section 78-3a-105; [and]
14        (c) orders permanently terminating the rights of a parent, guardian, or custodian, and
15    permanent orders of custody and guardianships; and
16        [(c)] (d) unless terminated by the court, orders to pay any fine or restitution.
17        (2) (a) Except as provided in Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings, an
18    order vesting legal custody or guardianship of a minor in an individual, agency, or institution may
19    be for an indeterminate period. [However] A review hearing shall be held, however, upon the
20    expiration of [18] 12 months, [the] and, with regard to petitions filed by the Division of Child and
21    Family Services, no less than once every six months thereafter. The individual, agency, or
22    institution involved shall file [a] the petition for [a] that review hearing [of the case]. The court
23    may terminate the order, or after notice and hearing, continue the order if it finds continuation of
24    the order necessary to safeguard the welfare of the minor or the public interest. The findings of
25    the court and its reasons shall be entered with the continuation order or with the order denying
26    continuation.
27        (b) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to minors [when] who are in the custody of the
28    Division of Child and Family Services, and who are placed in foster care, a secure youth
29    corrections facility, the Division of Mental Health, the Utah State Developmental Center, or [to]
30    any agency licensed for child placements and adoptions, in cases where all parental rights of the
31    [legal] natural parents have been terminated by the court under Part 4, Termination of Parental

- 56 -


1    Rights Act, and custody of the minor has been granted to the agency for adoption or other
2    permanent placement.
3        (3) (a) An agency granted legal custody may determine where and with whom the minor
4    will live, provided that placement of the minor does not remove him from the state without court
5    approval.
6        (b) An individual granted legal custody shall personally exercise the rights and
7    responsibilities involved in legal custody, unless otherwise authorized by the court.
8        Section 41. Uncodified Section 60, Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996 is amended to read:
9        Section 60. Early Intervention for Juveniles Pilot Program -- Appropriation.
10        (1) The Division of Child and Family Services and the probation department shall
11    establish, within the counties served by the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth District Juvenile [Court]
12    Courts, an Early Intervention for Juveniles Pilot Program that offers time limited, intensive
13    treatment, including youth services, as defined in Section 62A-4a-101, as an alternative to
14    out-of-home placement for ungovernable minors and juvenile offenders who:
15        (a) (i) are in the custody of the [division] Division of Child and Family Services or under
16    the protective supervision of the division and who, absent the pilot program, would be in
17    out-of-home care; or
18        (ii) are under the supervision of the probation department;
19        (b) [who] have been determined to be ungovernable, or who have not complied with the
20    terms of judicial orders issued before placement in the pilot project, including requirements of
21    probation ordered under [Subsection 78-3a-39 (2) (a)] Section 78-3a-516;
22        (c) require continual supervision and intensive therapeutic intervention, but not secure
23    confinement; and
24        (d) are likely to succeed in the pilot program based on an expressed commitment of the
25    child and his family to fully participate in and comply with the program's requirements.
26        (2) The pilot program shall provide intensive services and interventions that include, but
27    are not limited to:
28        (a) electronically monitored home detention;
29        (b) psychological assessment provided by or supervised by licensed mental health
30    professionals;
31        (c) individual, family, and group psychotherapy conducted by or supervised by licensed

- 57 -


1    mental health professionals;
2        (d) skills training, including problem solving and conflict resolution skills, parenting and
3    discipline skills, and communication skills;
4        (e) academic assessment and intervention;
5        (f) academic placement, and individual tutoring or alterative education programs when
6    appropriate; and
7        (g) after-care.
8        (3) The juvenile court shall maintain continuing jurisdiction over minors who are receiving
9    services in accordance with the pilot program described in this section.
10        (4) The court shall order the parent or guardian of the minor to:
11        (a) complete an assessment to determine appropriate treatment interventions;
12        (b) participate in training on problem solving skills, implementation of consequences for
13    inappropriate behavior, and rewarding appropriate behavior; and
14        (c) pay the appropriate division for all or part of the costs associated with the child's
15    involvement in the pilot program in accordance with their ability to pay.
16        (5) The juvenile court may issue any order that it deems appropriate to support a family's
17    successful completion of the pilot program.
18        (6) Payments received by the division under Subsection (3) shall be deposited in the
19    General Fund.
20        (7) In accordance with the provisions of Title 63, Chapter 56, Utah Procurement Code, the
21    division shall:
22        (a) contract for the provision of services necessary to implement the pilot program; and
23        (b) contract for an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the pilot program.
24        (8) The pilot program is authorized from July 1, [1996] 1997 to June 30, [1997]

1998.
25        (9) There is appropriated from the General Fund, for fiscal year [1996 - 1997] 1997-1998,
26    $320,000 to the [Division of Child and Family Services within the Department of Human
27    Services] Juvenile Court solely for the purpose of implementing the Early Intervention for
28    Juveniles Pilot Program described in this section.
29        Section 42. Repealer.
30        This act repeals:
31        Section 62A-4a-204, Determination of reasonable efforts.

- 58 -


1        Section 78-3a-317, Search warrants and subpoenas -- Authority to issue.
2        Section 43. Effective date.
3        This act takes effect on July 1, 1997. This act applies to every abuse, neglect, and
4    dependency case in which parental rights have not been terminated as of July 1, 1997. All other
5    provisions of Title 78, Chapter 3a relating to abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings, and
6    Title 62A, Chapter 4a apply to every case in which parental rights have not been terminated as of
7    the effective date of the applicable statute.
8        Section 44. Coordination clause.
9        (1) If this bill and Sub. S.B. 134, Juvenile Court Recodification - Phase 2, both pass, it is
10    the intent of the Legislature that the amendments to Section 78-3a-504 in this bill be made to
11    Section 78-3a-109 in Sub. S.B. 134.
12        (2) If this bill and H.B. 109, Adoption of Children in Division of Child and Family
13    Services Custody, both pass, it is the intent of the Legislature that the amendments to Section
14    62A-4a-205.6(3) in H.B. 109 be deleted.

- 59 -


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]