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S.B. 191

             1     

CHILD PROTECTION AND FOSTER CARE

             2     
AMENDMENTS

             3     
1999 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Sponsor: David H. Steele

             6      AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AND THE DIVISION OF CHILD
             7      AND FAMILY SERVICES; REQUIRING THAT DIVISION POLICY AND TRAINING
             8      REGARDING CHILD PROTECTION AND RELATIVE PREFERENCE REFLECT CURRENT
             9      AND ESTABLISHED STATE AND FEDERAL LAW; PROVIDING FOR STREAMLINING,
             10      FACILITATION, AND EXPEDITION OF FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE PARENT APPLICATION
             11      AND TRAINING; AMENDING MANDATORY PETITION FOR TERMINATION
             12      PROVISIONS BASED ON NEW FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS; REQUIRING THE OFFICE
             13      OF CHILD PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN TO REPORT TO ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES;
             14      AND PROVIDING THAT CONVICTION OF SPECIFIED DRUG OFFENSES IS GROUNDS
             15      FOR REMOVAL AND CONTINUED REMOVAL OF CHILDREN.
             16      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             17      AMENDS:
             18          62A-4a-103, as last amended by Chapter 318, Laws of Utah 1996
             19          62A-4a-104, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
             20          62A-4a-105.5, as enacted by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
             21          62A-4a-107, as enacted by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 1994
             22          62A-4a-203.5, as enacted by Chapter 274, Laws of Utah 1998
             23          62A-4a-208, as enacted by Chapter 274, Laws of Utah 1998
             24          78-3a-301, as last amended by Chapter 274, Laws of Utah 1998
             25          78-3a-306, as last amended by Chapters 13 and 274, Laws of Utah 1998
             26          78-3a-307, as last amended by Chapter 274, Laws of Utah 1998
             27          78-3a-313.5, as enacted by Chapter 274, Laws of Utah 1998


             28      ENACTS:
             29          62A-4a-107.1, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             30      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             31          Section 1. Section 62A-4a-103 is amended to read:
             32           62A-4a-103. Division -- Creation -- Purpose.
             33          (1) There is created the Division of Child and Family Services within the department,
             34      under the administration and general supervision of the executive director, and under the policy
             35      direction of the board. The division is the child, youth, and family services authority of the state
             36      and has all functions, powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities created in accordance with this
             37      chapter, except those assumed by the board and the department.
             38          (2) (a) The primary purpose of the division is to [provide child welfare services] protect
             39      children from abuse and neglect.
             40          (b) [The division shall, when] When possible and appropriate, the division shall provide
             41      initial preventive [services] and family preservation services in an effort to protect the child from
             42      the trauma of separation from his [family] parents, protect the integrity of [the] that specific family
             43      unit, and the constitutional rights of parents. In keeping with its ultimate goal and purpose of
             44      protecting children, however, when a child's welfare is endangered or reasonable efforts to
             45      maintain or reunify a child with his [family] parents, from whom he has been removed, have failed,
             46      the division shall act in a timely fashion to provide protection, permanency, and stability, in
             47      accordance with the requirements of this chapter and Title 78, Chapter 3a, Part 3[, to provide the
             48      child with a stable, permanent environment], Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings.
             49          (3) Further purposes of the division are:
             50          (a) to provide domestic violence services in accordance with federal law; and
             51          (b) to provide youth services for minors who are dependent, ungovernable, or runaway,
             52      in accordance with Sections 62A-4a-105 and 62A-4a-106 .
             53          (4) The board and the division shall establish and enforce policies that are consistent with:
             54          (a) the primary purpose of protecting children from abuse and neglect; and
             55          (b) the requirements of providing permanency and stability for children, pursuant to the
             56      provisions of this title, Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile Court Act of 1996, and federal law.
             57          Section 2. Section 62A-4a-104 is amended to read:
             58           62A-4a-104. Director of division -- Qualifications.


             59          (1) The director of the division shall be appointed by the executive director with the
             60      concurrence of the board.
             61          (2) The director shall have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college,
             62      be experienced in administration, and be knowledgeable in the areas of child and family services,
             63      including child protective services, family preservation, and foster care.
             64          (3) The director is the administrative head of the division, and shall ensure that division
             65      policy and practice models are consistent with:
             66          (a) the primary purpose of protecting children from abuse and neglect; and
             67          (b) legislative policy and the requirements of providing permanency and stability for
             68      children, pursuant to the provisions of this title, Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile Court Act of 1996,
             69      and federal law.
             70          Section 3. Section 62A-4a-105.5 is amended to read:
             71           62A-4a-105.5. Employees -- Failure to comply with policy -- Termination.
             72          (1) (a) The director shall ensure that all employees are fully trained to comply with state
             73      and federal law, administrative rules, and division policy in order to effectively carry out their
             74      assigned duties and functions.
             75          (b) The director shall specifically ensure that all employees are trained that their primary
             76      purpose is the protection of children from abuse and neglect, and that the goal of the division is
             77      to provide permanency and stability for children who have been abused or neglected.
             78          (2) If, after training and supervision, the employee consistently fails to comply with those
             79      laws, rules, and policies, his employment with the division shall be terminated.
             80          Section 4. Section 62A-4a-107 is amended to read:
             81           62A-4a-107. Mandatory education and training of caseworkers -- Development of
             82      curriculum.
             83          (1) There is created within the division a full-time position of Child Welfare Training
             84      Coordinator, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director. The employee
             85      in that position shall not be responsible for direct casework services or the supervision of those
             86      services, but shall:
             87          (a) develop child welfare curriculum that is current and effective, consistent with the
             88      division's mission and purpose for child welfare, specifically and primarily the protection of
             89      children from abuse and neglect, and the provision of permanency and stability for children who


             90      have been abused or neglected;
             91          (b) recruit, select, and supervise child welfare trainers in accordance with the purpose
             92      described in Subsection (1)(a);
             93          (c) develop a statewide training program, including a budget and identification of sources
             94      of funding to support that training;
             95          (d) evaluate the efficacy of training in improving job performance;
             96          (e) assist child protective services and foster care workers in developing and fulfilling their
             97      individual training plans;
             98          (f) monitor staff compliance with:
             99          (i) division training requirements, specifically focusing on the primary requirement of
             100      providing protection and permanency for children who are abused or neglected; and
             101          (ii) individual training plans;
             102          (g) expand the collaboration between the division and schools of social work within
             103      institutions of higher education in developing child welfare services curriculum, and in providing
             104      and evaluating training; and
             105          (h) report annually to the board and the Legislature on training activities, compliance with
             106      the requirements of this section, the training plan, and achievement of individual training goals.
             107          (2) (a) The director shall, with the assistance of the child welfare training coordinator,
             108      establish a core curriculum for child welfare services that is [substantially equivalent to the Child
             109      Welfare League of America's Core Training for Child Welfare Caseworkers Curriculum]
             110      consistent with the provisions of this title, Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile Court Act of 1996,
             111      legislative and division policy, and federal law.
             112          (b) Any child welfare worker who is employed by the division for the first time after April
             113      1, 1995, shall, before assuming significant independent casework responsibilities, and in no case
             114      later than six months after initial employment, successfully complete the core curriculum.
             115          Section 5. Section 62A-4a-107.1 is enacted to read:
             116          62A-4a-107.1. Foster and adoptive parent application and training process -- Division
             117      responsibilities.
             118          (1) Based on the division's goal of protecting children, providing safe and stable care for
             119      abused and neglected children, and providing real and effective permanency for children who the
             120      court determines may not quickly return to the parents from whom they were removed, the division


             121      shall streamline and facilitate the application and training process of potential foster and adoptive
             122      parents.
             123          (2) Each region of the division shall establish a process whereby any potential foster or
             124      adoptive parent who resides within that region may obtain all necessary forms, information
             125      regarding required training, and training schedules, both electronically, and in person at one
             126      geographical location. Each regional office shall ensure that an applicant may comply with all
             127      requirements either electronically or at the same physical location. The regional offices of the
             128      division shall cooperate with local law enforcement to facilitate any fingerprinting requirements,
             129      in order to comply with the provisions of this section.
             130          (3) The division and its employees shall expedite and facilitate the processes for
             131      application and training of potential foster and adoptive parents. As of May 3, 1999, the effective
             132      date of this act, the division is charged with modifying and streamlining existing duplicative and
             133      overly burdensome procedures for application, training, and qualification of foster and adoptive
             134      parents. On or before December 1, 1999, the division shall provide written evidence of changes
             135      consistent with the requirements of this section to the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel
             136      and to the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.
             137          (4) The division may not discriminate against a potential or actual foster or adoptive parent
             138      because that parent expresses an interest in a particular child who is in the custody of the division.
             139      The division shall facilitate the placement of children who are freed for adoption, or who have a
             140      permanency goal of adoption, with qualified adoptive parents who express an interest in that
             141      particular child.
             142          Section 6. Section 62A-4a-203.5 is amended to read:
             143           62A-4a-203.5. Mandatory petition for termination of parental rights.
             144          (1) For purposes of this section, "abandoned infant" means a child who is 12 months of
             145      age or younger whose parent or parents:
             146          (a) although having legal custody of the child, fail to maintain physical custody of the child
             147      without making arrangements for the care of the child;
             148          (b) have failed to maintain physical custody, and have failed to exhibit the normal interest
             149      of a natural parent without just cause; or
             150          (c) are unwilling to have physical custody of the child.
             151          (2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), notwithstanding any other provision of this


             152      chapter or of Title 78, Chapter 3a, Juvenile Court Act of 1996, the division shall file a petition for
             153      termination of parental rights with regard to:
             154          (a) an abandoned infant; [or]
             155          (b) a child who has been in the custody of the division for 15 of the most recent 22 months;
             156      or
             157          [(b)] (c) a parent, whenever a court has determined that the parent has:
             158          (i) committed murder or child abuse homicide of another child of that parent;
             159          (ii) committed manslaughter of another child of that parent;
             160          (iii) aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit murder, child abuse
             161      homicide, or manslaughter against another child of that parent; or
             162          (iv) committed a felony assault or abuse that has resulted in serious physical injury to
             163      another child of that parent, or to the other parent of that child.
             164          (3) If any party other than the division files a petition for termination of parental rights
             165      based on any of the grounds described in Subsection (2), the division shall seek to be joined as a
             166      party to that petition.
             167          [(3)] (4) The division is not required to file a petition for termination of parental rights
             168      under Subsection (2), or seek to be joined in a petition filed by another party pursuant to
             169      Subsection (3), if:
             170          (a) the child is being cared for by a relative;
             171          (b) the division has:
             172          (i) documented in the child's treatment plan a compelling reason for determining that filing
             173      a petition for termination of parental rights is not in the child's best interest; and
             174          (ii) made that treatment plan available to the court for its review; or
             175          (c) (i) the court has previously determined, in accordance with the provisions and
             176      limitations of Sections 62A-4a-201 , 62A-4a-203 , 78-3a-306 , and 78-3a-311 , that reasonable efforts
             177      to reunify the child with his parent or parents were required; and
             178          (ii) the division has not provided, within the time period specified in the treatment plan,
             179      services that had been determined to be necessary for the safe return of the child.
             180          Section 7. Section 62A-4a-208 is amended to read:
             181           62A-4a-208. Child protection ombudsman -- Responsibility -- Authority.
             182          (1) As used in this section:


             183          (a) "Complainant" means a person who initiates a complaint with the ombudsman.
             184          (b) "Ombudsman" means the child protection ombudsman appointed pursuant to this
             185      section.
             186          (2) (a) There is created within the department the position of child protection ombudsman.
             187      The ombudsman shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the executive director.
             188          (b) The ombudsman shall be:
             189          (i) an individual of recognized executive and administrative capacity;
             190          (ii) selected solely with regard to qualifications and fitness to discharge the duties of
             191      ombudsman; and
             192          (iii) have experience in child welfare, and in state laws and policies governing abused,
             193      neglected, and dependent children.
             194          (c) The ombudsman shall devote full time to the duties of office.
             195          (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), the ombudsman shall, upon receipt of a
             196      complaint from any person, investigate whether an act or omission of the division with respect to
             197      a particular child:
             198          (i) is contrary to statute, rule, or policy;
             199          (ii) places a child's health or safety at risk;
             200          (iii) is made without an adequate statement of reason; or
             201          (iv) is based on irrelevant, immaterial, or erroneous grounds.
             202          (b) The ombudsman may decline to investigate any complaint. If the ombudsman declines
             203      to investigate a complaint or continue an investigation, the ombudsman shall notify the
             204      complainant and the division of the decision and of the reasons for that decision.
             205          (c) The ombudsman may conduct an investigation on his own initiative.
             206          (4) The ombudsman shall:
             207          (a) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make
             208      rules that govern the following:
             209          (i) receiving and processing complaints;
             210          (ii) notifying complainants and the division regarding a decision to investigate or to
             211      decline to investigate a complaint;
             212          (iii) prioritizing workload;
             213          (iv) maximum time within which investigations shall be completed;


             214          (v) conducting investigations;
             215          (vi) notifying complainants and the division regarding the results of investigations; and
             216          (vii) making recommendations based on the findings and results of recommendations;
             217          (b) report findings and recommendations in writing to the complainant [and], the division,
             218      [in accordance with the provisions of] the executive director, and other persons or entities as
             219      required by this section;
             220          (c) within appropriations from the Legislature, employ staff as may be necessary to carry
             221      out the ombudsman's duties under this part;
             222          (d) provide information regarding the role, duties, and functions of the ombudsman to
             223      public agencies, private entities, and individuals;
             224          (e) annually report to the:
             225          (i) Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel;
             226          (ii) governor;
             227          (iii) Board of Child and Family Services;
             228          (iv) executive director of the department; and
             229          (v) director of the division; and
             230          (f) as appropriate, make recommendations to the division regarding individual cases, and
             231      the rules, policies, and operations of the division.
             232          (5) (a) Upon rendering a decision to investigate a complaint, the ombudsman shall notify
             233      the complainant [and], the division, the executive director, and the guardian ad litem director
             234      appointed pursuant to Section 78-3a-911 , of that decision.
             235          (b) The ombudsman may advise a complainant to pursue all administrative remedies or
             236      channels of complaint before pursuing a complaint with the ombudsman. Subsequent to
             237      processing a complaint, the ombudsman may conduct further investigations upon the request of
             238      the complainant or upon the ombudsman's own initiative. Nothing in this Subsection (5) precludes
             239      a complainant from making a complaint directly to the ombudsman before pursuing an
             240      administrative remedy.
             241          (c) If the ombudsman finds that an individual's act or omission violates state or federal
             242      criminal law, the ombudsman shall immediately report that finding to the appropriate county or
             243      district attorney or [to] the attorney general, to the assigned worker within the division, the
             244      executive director, and to the guardian ad litem director.


             245          (d) The ombudsman shall immediately notify the division, the executive director, and the
             246      guardian ad litem director if the ombudsman finds that a child needs protective custody, as that
             247      term is defined in Section 78-3a-103 .
             248          (e) The ombudsman shall immediately comply with Part 4, Child Abuse or Neglect
             249      Reporting Requirements.
             250          (6) (a) All records of the ombudsman regarding individual cases shall be classified in
             251      accordance with federal law and the provisions of Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records
             252      Access and Management Act. The ombudsman may make public a report prepared pursuant to this
             253      section in accordance with the provisions of Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             254      Management Act.
             255          (b) The ombudsman shall have access to all of the department's written and electronic
             256      records and databases, including those regarding individual cases. In accordance with Title 63,
             257      Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act, all documents and information
             258      received by the ombudsman shall maintain the same classification that was designated by the
             259      department.
             260          (7) (a) The ombudsman shall prepare a written report of the findings and
             261      recommendations, if any, of each investigation.
             262          (b) The ombudsman shall make recommendations to the division, the executive director,
             263      the guardian ad litem director, and the office of the governor if the ombudsman finds that:
             264          (i) a matter should be further considered by the division;
             265          (ii) an administrative act should be addressed, modified, or canceled;
             266          (iii) action should be taken by the division with regard to one of its employees; or
             267          (iv) any other action should be taken by the division.
             268          Section 8. Section 78-3a-301 is amended to read:
             269           78-3a-301. Removing a child from his home -- Grounds for removal.
             270          (1) The Division of Child and Family Services may not remove a child from the custody
             271      of his natural parent unless there is substantial cause to believe that any one of the following exist:
             272          (a) there is a substantial danger to the physical health or safety of the minor and the minor's
             273      physical health or safety may not be protected without removing him from his parent's custody.
             274      If a minor has previously been adjudicated as abused, neglected, or dependent, and a subsequent
             275      incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency occurs, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the


             276      child cannot safely remain in the custody of his parent;
             277          (b) the minor is suffering emotional damage, as may be indicated by, but not limited to,
             278      extreme anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or negative aggressive behavior toward self or others,
             279      and there are no reasonable means available by which the minor's emotional health may be
             280      protected without removing the minor from the custody of his parent;
             281          (c) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been physically or
             282      sexually abused, or is deemed to be at substantial risk of being physically or sexually abused, by
             283      a parent, a member of the parent's household, or other person known to the parent. If a parent has
             284      received actual notice that physical or sexual abuse by a person known to the parent has occurred,
             285      and there is evidence that the parent has allowed the child to be in the physical presence of the
             286      alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the child is at substantial risk of
             287      being physically or sexually abused;
             288          (d) the parent is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
             289          (e) the minor has been left without any provision for his support;
             290          (f) a parent who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not or cannot arrange for
             291      safe and appropriate care for the minor;
             292          (g) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the minor has been left by the parent is
             293      unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the minor, the whereabouts of the parent are
             294      unknown, and reasonable efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful;
             295          (h) the minor is in immediate need of medical care;
             296          (i) the physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended poses a threat to
             297      the child's health or safety;
             298          (j) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been neglected;
             299          (k) an infant has been abandoned, as defined in Section 78-3a-313.5 ;
             300          (l) the parent, or an adult residing in the same household as the parent, has been charged
             301      or arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act, and any clandestine
             302      laboratory operation, as defined in Section 58-37d-3 , was located in the residence or on the
             303      property where the child resided; [or]
             304          (m) the parent has been convicted of violating Subsection 58-37-8 (1)(a)(ii) or (iii); or
             305          [(m)] (n) the child's welfare is otherwise endangered, as documented by the caseworker.
             306          (2) The Division of Child and Family Services may not remove a minor from the custody


             307      of his natural parent solely on the basis of educational neglect.
             308          (3) (a) A minor removed from the custody of his natural parent under this section may not
             309      be placed or kept in a secure detention facility pending court proceedings unless the minor is
             310      detainable based on guidelines promulgated by the Division of Youth Corrections.
             311          (b) A minor removed from the custody of his natural parent but who does not require
             312      physical restriction shall be given temporary care in a shelter facility.
             313          Section 9. Section 78-3a-306 is amended to read:
             314           78-3a-306. Shelter hearing.
             315          (1) With regard to a child who has been removed by the Division of Child and Family
             316      Services, or who is in the protective custody of the division, a shelter hearing shall be held within
             317      72 hours after removal of the child from his home, excluding weekends and holidays.
             318          (2) Upon removal of a child from his home and receipt of that child into protective
             319      custody, the division shall issue a notice that contains all of the following:
             320          (a) the name and address of the person to whom the notice is directed;
             321          (b) the date, time, and place of the shelter hearing;
             322          (c) the name of the minor on whose behalf a petition is being brought;
             323          (d) a concise statement regarding the allegations and code sections under which the
             324      proceeding has been instituted;
             325          (e) a statement that the parent or guardian to whom notice is given, and the minor, are
             326      entitled to have an attorney present at the shelter hearing, and that if the parent or guardian is
             327      indigent and cannot afford an attorney, and desires to be represented by an attorney, one will be
             328      provided; and
             329          (f) a statement that the parent or guardian is liable for the cost of support of the minor in
             330      the protective custody, temporary custody, and custody of the division, and the cost for legal
             331      counsel appointed for the parent or guardian under Subsection (2)(e), according to his financial
             332      ability.
             333          (3) That notice shall be personally served as soon as possible, but at least 24 hours prior
             334      to the time set for the shelter hearing, on:
             335          (a) the appropriate guardian ad litem; and
             336          (b) both parents and any guardian of the minor, unless they cannot be located.
             337          (4) The following persons shall be present at the shelter hearing:


             338          (a) the child, unless it would be detrimental for the child;
             339          (b) the child's parents or guardian, unless they cannot be located, or fail to appear in
             340      response to the notice;
             341          (c) counsel for the parents, if one has been requested;
             342          (d) the child's guardian ad litem;
             343          (e) the caseworker from the Division of Child and Family Services who has been assigned
             344      to the case; and
             345          (f) the attorney from the attorney general's office who is representing the division.
             346          (5) (a) At the shelter hearing, the court shall provide an opportunity for the minor's parent
             347      or guardian, if present, and any other person having relevant knowledge, to provide relevant
             348      testimony. The court may also provide an opportunity for the minor to testify.
             349          (b) The court may consider all relevant evidence, in accordance with the Utah Rules of
             350      Juvenile Procedure. The court shall hear relevant evidence presented by the minor, his parent or
             351      guardian, the requesting party, or their counsel, but may in its discretion limit testimony and
             352      evidence to only that which goes to the issues of removal and the child's need for continued
             353      protection.
             354          (6) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the division shall report to the
             355      court:
             356          (a) the reasons why the minor was removed from the parent's or guardian's custody;
             357          (b) any services provided to the child and his family in an effort to prevent removal;
             358          (c) the need, if any, for continued shelter;
             359          (d) the available services that could facilitate the return of the minor to the custody of his
             360      parent or guardian; and
             361          (e) whether the child has any relatives who may be able and willing to take temporary
             362      custody.
             363          (7) If necessary to protect the child, preserve the rights of a party, or for other good cause
             364      shown, the court may grant no more than one time-limited continuance, not to exceed five judicial
             365      days.
             366          (8) The court shall order that the minor be released from the protective custody of the
             367      division unless it finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that any one of the following exist:
             368          (a) there is a substantial danger to the physical health or safety of the minor and the minor's


             369      physical health or safety may not be protected without removing him from his parent's custody.
             370      If a minor has previously been adjudicated as abused, neglected, or dependent and a subsequent
             371      incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency occurs, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the
             372      child cannot safely remain in the custody of his parent;
             373          (b) the minor is suffering emotional damage, as may be indicated by, but is not limited to,
             374      extreme anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or negative aggressive behavior toward self or others,
             375      and there are no reasonable means available by which the minor's emotional health may be
             376      protected without removing the minor from the custody of his parent;
             377          (c) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been physically or
             378      sexually abused, or is deemed to be at substantial risk of being physically or sexually abused, by
             379      a parent, a member of the parent's household, or other person known to the parent. If a parent has
             380      received actual notice that physical or sexual abuse by a person known to the parent has occurred,
             381      and there is evidence that the parent has allowed the child to be in the physical presence of the
             382      alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the child is at substantial risk of
             383      being physically or sexually abused;
             384          (d) the parent is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
             385          (e) the minor has been left without any provision for his support;
             386          (f) a parent who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not or cannot arrange for
             387      safe and appropriate care for the minor;
             388          (g) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the minor has been left by the parent is
             389      unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the minor, the whereabouts of the parent are
             390      unknown, and reasonable efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful;
             391          (h) the minor is in immediate need of medical care;
             392          (i) the physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended poses a threat to
             393      the child's health or safety;
             394          (j) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been neglected;
             395          (k) the parent, or an adult residing in the same household as the parent, has been charged
             396      or arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act, and any clandestine
             397      laboratory operation, as defined in Section 58-37d-3 , was located in the residence or on the
             398      property where the child resided; [or]
             399          (l) the parent has been convicted of violating Subsection 58-37-8 (1)(a)(ii) or (iii); or


             400          [(l)] (m) the child's welfare is otherwise endangered.
             401          (9) (a) The court shall also make a determination on the record as to whether reasonable
             402      efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the minor from his home and
             403      whether there are available services that would prevent the need for continued removal. If the
             404      court finds that the minor can be safely returned to the custody of his parent or guardian through
             405      the provision of those services, it shall place the minor with his parent or guardian and order that
             406      those services be provided by the division.
             407          (b) In making that determination, and in ordering and providing services, the child's health,
             408      safety, and welfare shall be the paramount concern, in accordance with federal law.
             409          (10) Where the division's first contact with the family occurred during an emergency
             410      situation in which the child could not safely remain at home, the court shall make a finding that
             411      any lack of preplacement preventive efforts was appropriate.
             412          (11) In cases where actual sexual abuse or abandonment, or serious physical abuse or
             413      neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make "reasonable efforts"
             414      or to, in any other way, attempt to maintain a child in his home, return a child to his home, provide
             415      reunification services, or attempt to rehabilitate the offending parent or parents.
             416          (12) The court may not order continued removal of a minor solely on the basis of
             417      educational neglect as described in Subsection 78-3a-103 (1)(q)(ii).
             418          (13) (a) Whenever a court orders continued removal of a minor under this section, it shall
             419      state the facts on which that decision is based.
             420          (b) If no continued removal is ordered and the minor is returned home, the court shall state
             421      the facts on which that decision is based.
             422          (14) If the court finds that continued removal and temporary custody is necessary for the
             423      protection of a child because harm may result to the child if he were returned home, it shall order
             424      continued removal regardless of any error in the initial removal of the child, or the failure of a
             425      party to comply with notice provisions, or any other procedural requirement of this chapter or Title
             426      62A, Chapter 4a, Child and Family Services.
             427          Section 10. Section 78-3a-307 is amended to read:
             428           78-3a-307. Shelter hearing -- Placement with a noncustodial parent or relative --
             429      DCFS custody.
             430          (1) (a) At the shelter hearing, when the court orders that a child be removed from the


             431      custody of his parent in accordance with the requirements of Section 78-3a-306 , the court shall
             432      first determine whether there is another natural parent as defined in Subsection (b), with whom the
             433      child was not residing at the time the events or conditions that brought him within the court's
             434      jurisdiction occurred, who desires to assume custody of the child. If that parent requests custody,
             435      the court shall place the minor with that parent unless it finds that the placement would be unsafe
             436      or otherwise detrimental to the child. The provisions of this Subsection (1) are limited by the
             437      provisions of Subsection (8)(b).
             438          (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 78-3a-103 , for purposes of this section
             439      "natural parent" includes only a biological or adoptive mother, an adoptive father, or a biological
             440      father who was married to the child's biological mother at the time the child was conceived or
             441      born, or who has strictly complied with the provisions of Section 78-30-4.14 prior to removal of
             442      the child or voluntary surrender of the child by the custodial parent. This definition applies
             443      regardless of whether the child has been or will be placed with adoptive parents or whether
             444      adoption has been or will be considered as a long term goal for the child.
             445          (c) (i) The court shall make a specific finding regarding the fitness of that parent to assume
             446      custody, and the safety and appropriateness of the placement.
             447          (ii) The court shall, at a minimum, order the division to visit the parent's home, perform
             448      criminal background checks described in Sections 78-3a-307.1 and 62A-4a-202.4 , and check the
             449      division's management information system for any previous reports of abuse or neglect received
             450      by the division regarding the parent at issue.
             451          (iii) The court may order the Division of Child and Family Services to conduct any further
             452      investigation regarding the safety and appropriateness of the placement.
             453          (iv) The division shall report its findings in writing to the court.
             454          (v) The court may place the child in the temporary custody of the division, pending its
             455      determination regarding that placement.
             456          (2) If the court orders placement with a parent under Subsection (1), the child and the
             457      parent are under the continuing jurisdiction of the court. The court may order that the parent
             458      assume custody subject to the supervision of the court, and order that services be provided to the
             459      parent from whose custody the child was removed, the parent who has assumed custody, or both.
             460      The court may also provide for reasonable visitation with the parent from whose custody the child
             461      was removed, if that is in the best interest of the child. The court's order shall be periodically


             462      reviewed to determine whether:
             463          (a) placement with the parent continues to be in the child's best interest;
             464          (b) the child should be returned to the original custodial parent;
             465          (c) the child should be placed with a relative, pursuant to Subsection (5); or
             466          (d) the child should be placed in the custody of the division.
             467          (3) The time limitations described in Section 78-3a-311 with regard to reunification
             468      efforts, apply to children placed with a previously noncustodial parent in accordance with
             469      Subsection (1).
             470          (4) Legal custody of the child is not affected by an order entered under Subsection (1) or
             471      (2). In order to affect a previous court order regarding legal custody, the party must petition that
             472      court for modification of the order.
             473          (5) (a) If, at the time of the shelter hearing, a child is removed from the custody of his
             474      parent and is not placed in the custody of his other parent, the court shall, at that time, determine
             475      whether there is a relative who is able and willing to care for the child. The court may order the
             476      Division of Child and Family Services to conduct a reasonable search to determine whether there
             477      are relatives of the child who are willing and appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of
             478      this part and Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 2, Child Welfare Services, for placement of the child. The
             479      child may be placed in the temporary custody of the division pending that determination. This
             480      section may not be construed as a guarantee that an identified relative will receive custody of the
             481      child. However, preferential consideration may be given to a relative's request for placement of
             482      the child, if it is in the best interest of the child, and the provisions of this section are satisfied.
             483          (b) (i) If a willing relative is identified pursuant to Subsection (5)(a), the court shall make
             484      a specific finding regarding the fitness of that relative to assume custody, and the safety and
             485      appropriateness of placement with that relative. In order to be considered a "willing relative"
             486      under this section, the relative shall be willing to cooperate if the child's permanency goal is
             487      reunification with his parent or parents, and be willing to adopt or take permanent custody of the
             488      child if that is determined to be in the best interest of the child.
             489          (ii) The court shall, at a minimum, order the division to conduct criminal background
             490      checks described in Sections 78-3a-307.1 and 62A-4a-202.4 , visit the relative's home, check the
             491      division's management information system for any previous reports of abuse or neglect regarding
             492      the relative at issue, report its findings in writing to the court, and provide sufficient information


             493      so that the court may determine whether:
             494          (A) the relative has any history of abusive or neglectful behavior toward other children that
             495      may indicate or present a danger to this child;
             496          (B) the child is comfortable with the relative;
             497          (C) the relative recognizes the parent's history of abuse and is determined to protect the
             498      child;
             499          (D) the relative is strong enough to resist inappropriate requests by the parent for access
             500      to the child, in accordance with court orders;
             501          (E) the relative is committed to caring for the child as long as necessary; and
             502          (F) the relative can provide a secure and stable environment for the child.
             503          (iii) The court may order the Division of Child and Family Services to conduct any further
             504      investigation regarding the safety and appropriateness of the placement.
             505          (c) The court may place the child in the temporary custody of the division, pending the
             506      division's investigation pursuant to Subsection (5)(b), and the court's determination regarding that
             507      placement. The court shall ultimately base its determination regarding placement [with a relative]
             508      on the best interest of the child.
             509          (d) For purposes of this section, "relative" means an adult who is a grandparent, great
             510      grandparent, aunt, great aunt, uncle, great uncle, or sibling of the child.
             511          (6) (a) When the court vests physical custody of a child with a relative pursuant to
             512      Subsection (5), it shall order that the relative assume custody subject to the continuing supervision
             513      of the court, and shall order that any necessary services be provided to the minor and the relative.
             514      That child is not within the temporary custody or custody of the Division of Child and Family
             515      Services. The child and any relative with whom the child is placed are under the continuing
             516      jurisdiction of the court. The court may enter any order that it considers necessary for the
             517      protection and best interest of the child.
             518          (b) (i) Placement with a relative pursuant to Subsection (5) shall be periodically reviewed
             519      by the court, no less often than every six months, to determine whether:
             520          (A) placement with the relative continues to be in the child's best interest;
             521          (B) the child should be returned home; or
             522          (C) the child should be placed in the custody of the division.
             523          (ii) No later than 12 months after placement with a relative the court shall schedule a


             524      hearing for the purpose of entering a permanent order in accordance with the best interest of the
             525      child.
             526          (iii) The time limitations described in Section 78-3a-311 , with regard to reunification
             527      efforts, apply to children placed with a relative pursuant to Subsection (5).
             528          (7) When the court orders that a child be removed from the custody of his parent and does
             529      not vest custody in another parent or relative under this section, the court shall order that the child
             530      be placed in the temporary custody of the Division of Child and Family Services, to proceed to
             531      adjudication and disposition and to be provided with care and services in accordance with this
             532      chapter and Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child and Family Services.
             533          (8) (a) (i) Any preferential consideration that a relative may be initially granted pursuant
             534      to Subsection (5) expires 30 days from the date of the shelter hearing. After that time period has
             535      expired, a relative who has not obtained custody or asserted an interest in a child, may not be
             536      granted preferential consideration by the division or the court.
             537          (ii) The division may not circumvent this required limitation on preferential consideration
             538      for relatives by:
             539          (A) asserting that a relative placement should be considered to be in the best interest of
             540      the child based solely on a biological or marriage relationship to the child or the child's family; or
             541          (B) granting special or unique consideration for the relative based solely on a relationship
             542      to the child or the child's biological family by blood or marriage.
             543          (b) When a period of 30 days from the date of the shelter hearing has expired, the
             544      preferential consideration which may initially be granted to a natural parent in accordance with
             545      Subsection (1), is limited. After that time the court shall base its custody decision on the best
             546      interest of the child.
             547          Section 11. Section 78-3a-313.5 is amended to read:
             548           78-3a-313.5. Mandatory petition for termination of parental rights.
             549          (1) For purposes of this section, "abandoned infant" means a child who is 12 months of
             550      age or younger whose parent or parents:
             551          (a) although having legal custody of the child, fail to maintain physical custody of the child
             552      without making arrangements for the care of the child;
             553          (b) have failed to maintain physical custody, and have failed to exhibit the normal interest
             554      of a natural parent without just cause; or


             555          (c) are unwilling to have physical custody of the child.
             556          (2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), notwithstanding any other provision of this
             557      chapter or of Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child and Family Services, the division shall file a petition
             558      for termination of parental rights with regard to:
             559          (a) an abandoned infant; [or]
             560          (b) a child who has been in the custody of the division for 15 of the most recent 22 months;
             561      or
             562          [(b)] (c) a parent, whenever a court has determined that the parent has:
             563          (i) committed murder or child abuse homicide of another child of that parent;
             564          (ii) committed manslaughter of another child of that parent;
             565          (iii) aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit murder, child abuse
             566      homicide, or manslaughter against another child of that parent; or
             567          (iv) committed a felony assault or abuse that has resulted in serious physical injury to
             568      another child of that parent, or to the other parent of that child.
             569          (3) If any party other than the division files a petition for termination of parental rights
             570      based on any of the grounds described in Subsection (2), the division shall seek to be joined as a
             571      party to that petition.
             572          [(3)] (4) The division is not required to file a petition for termination of parental rights
             573      under Subsection (2), or seek to be joined in a petition filed by another party pursuant to
             574      Subsection (3), if:
             575          (a) the child is being cared for by a relative;
             576          (b) the division has:
             577          (i) documented in the child's treatment plan a compelling reason for determining that filing
             578      a petition for termination of parental rights is not in the child's best interest; and
             579          (ii) made that treatment plan available to the court for its review; or
             580          (c) (i) the court has previously determined, in accordance with the provisions and
             581      limitations of Sections 62A-4a-201 , 62A-4a-203 , 78-3a-306 , and 78-3a-311 , that reasonable efforts
             582      to reunify the child with his parent or parents were required; and
             583          (ii) the division has not provided, within the time period specified in the treatment plan,
             584      services that had been determined to be necessary for the safe return of the child.





Legislative Review Note
    as of 2-10-99 7:00 AM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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