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Second Substitute H.B. 237

This document includes Senate Committee Amendments incorporated into the bill on Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 2:19 PM by khelgesen. --> This document includes Senate 2nd Reading Floor Amendments incorporated into the bill on Fri, Mar 2, 2012 at 8:49 AM by khelgesen. -->

Representative Wayne A. Harper proposes the following substitute bill:


             1     
CHILD WELFARE AMENDMENTS

             2     
2012 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Wayne A. Harper

             5     
Senate Sponsor: Margaret Dayton

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill amends Title 62A, Utah Human Services Code, Title 78A, Judiciary and
             10      Judicial Administration, and Title 78B, Judicial Code, relating to child welfare.
             11      Highlighted Provisions:
             12          This bill:
             13          .    defines the term "relative";
             14          .    amends Division of Child and Family Services caseworker training requirements;
             15          .    requires a caseworker to file a report explaining why a particular placement is in the
             16      child's best interest when a child is removed from the child's immediate family but
             17      not placed with kin;
             18          .    requires a licensee under the Medical Practice or Nurse Practice Act to report a
             19      determination of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder to the Division of Child and
             20      Family Services;
             20a           S. [ S. requires an appellate court to apply de novo review to issues presented in an appeal
             20b      of a juvenile court's finding of abuse, neglect, or an order to terminate parental rights; .S ] .S
             21          .    prohibits taking a child into protective custody solely on the basis of educational
             22      neglect, truancy, or failure to comply with a court order to attend school;
             23          .    requires a fingerprint-based background check on any adult residing in the home of
             24      a foster parent or potential foster parent;
             25          .    creates a presumption that reunification services not be provided to:

             26              .    a parent who commits sexual abuse of a child;
             27              .    a parent who is a registered sex offender; or
             28              .    a birth mother whose child is born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, unless
             29      she enrolls in a substance abuse program;
             30          .    requires a court to consider costs already borne by a parent or legal guardian before
             31      assessing guardian ad litem attorney fees, court costs, or expenses against a parent
             32      or legal guardian;
             33          .    permits a parent or legal guardian to appeal a court's determination of guardian ad
             34      litem attorney fees, costs, and expenses;
             35          .    requires a guardian ad litem to:
             36              .    disclose, in certain cases, the minor's wishes to the court;
             37              .    conduct an independent investigation regarding a minor client, the minor's
             38      family, and what constitutes the best interest of the minor;
             39              .    keep records regarding how many times the guardian ad litem has had contact
             40      with each minor client and make those records available when making a
             41      recommendation regarding the client's welfare; and
             42              .    disclose to the court the basis for any recommendation regarding the best
             43      interest of the child;
             44          .    creates a preference for the adoption of a child by a relative following a termination
             45      of parental rights; and
             46          .    makes technical changes.
             47      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             48          None
             49      Other Special Clauses:
             50          None
             51      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             52      AMENDS:
             53          62A-2-120, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapters 320 and 366
             54          62A-4a-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 75
             55          62A-4a-107, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 306
             56          62A-4a-202.1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapters 3 and 17

             57          62A-4a-202.6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 239
             58          62A-4a-209, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapters 3 and 17
             59          62A-4a-404, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 1994, Chapter 260
             60          78A-6-302, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             61          78A-6-306, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 368
             62          78A-6-308, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 32
             63          78A-6-312, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapters 98 and 167
             64          78A-6-511, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             65          78A-6-902, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 158
             66          78B-6-131, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3 and last amended by Laws of
             67      Utah 2008, Chapter 17
             67a      S. ENACTS:
             67b          78A-4-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953 .S
             68     
             69      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             70          Section 1. Section 62A-2-120 is amended to read:
             71           62A-2-120. Criminal background checks -- Direct access to children or
             72      vulnerable adults.
             73          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (7), an applicant for an initial license or a
             74      license renewal under this chapter shall submit to the office the names and other identifying
             75      information, which may include fingerprints, of all persons associated with the licensee, as
             76      defined in Section 62A-2-101 , with direct access to children or vulnerable adults.
             77          (b) The Criminal Investigations and Technical Services Division of the Department of
             78      Public Safety, or the office as authorized under Section 53-10-108 , shall process the
             79      information described in Subsection (1)(a) to determine whether the [individual] applicant has
             80      been convicted of any crime.
             81          (c) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(d), if an [individual] applicant has not
             82      continuously lived in Utah for the five years immediately preceding the day on which the
             83      information referred to in Subsection (1)(a) is submitted to the office, the [individual] applicant
             84      shall submit fingerprints for a FBI national criminal history record check. The fingerprints
             85      shall be submitted to the FBI through the Criminal Investigations and Technical Services
             86      Division.
             87          (d) An [individual] applicant is not required to comply with Subsection (1)(c) if:

             88          (i) the [individual] applicant continuously lived in Utah for the five years immediately
             89      preceding the day on which the information described in Subsection (1)(a) is submitted to the
             90      office, except for time spent outside of the United States and its territories; and
             91          (ii) the background check of the [individual] applicant is being conducted for a purpose
             92      other than a purpose described in Subsection (1)(f).
             93          (e) If an applicant described in Subsection (1)(a) spent time outside of the United
             94      States and its territories during the five years immediately preceding the day on which the
             95      information described in Subsection (1)(a) is submitted to the office, the office shall require the
             96      applicant to submit documentation establishing whether the applicant was convicted of a crime
             97      during the time that the applicant spent outside of the United States and its territories.
             98          (f) Notwithstanding Subsections (1)(a) through (e), and except as provided in
             99      Subsection (1)(h), an applicant described in Subsection (1)(a) shall submit fingerprints for an
             100      FBI national criminal history records check, through the Criminal Investigations and Technical
             101      Services Division, if the background check of the applicant is being conducted for the purpose
             102      of:
             103          (i) licensing a prospective foster home; or
             104          (ii) approving a prospective adoptive placement of a child in state custody.
             105          (g) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(h), in addition to the other requirements of
             106      this section, if the background check of an applicant described in Subsection (1)(a) is being
             107      conducted for the purpose of licensing a prospective foster home or approving a prospective
             108      adoptive placement of a child in state custody, the office shall:
             109          (i) check the child abuse and neglect registry in each state where each [prospective
             110      foster parent or prospective adoptive parent] applicant resided in the five years immediately
             111      preceding the day on which the [prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent]
             112      applicant applied to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, to determine whether the prospective
             113      foster parent or prospective adoptive parent is listed in the registry as having a substantiated or
             114      supported finding of child abuse or neglect; and
             115          (ii) check the child abuse and neglect registry in each state where each adult living in
             116      the home of the [prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent] applicant described
             117      in Subsection (1)(g)(i) resided in the five years immediately preceding the day on which the
             118      [prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent] applicant applied to be a foster parent

             119      or adoptive parent, to determine whether the adult is listed in the registry as having a
             120      substantiated or supported finding of child abuse or neglect.
             121          (h) The requirements under Subsections (1)(f) and (g) do not apply to the extent that:
             122          (i) federal law or rule permits otherwise; or
             123          (ii) the requirements would prohibit the Division of Child and Family Services or a
             124      court from placing a child with:
             125          (A) a noncustodial parent under Section 62A-4a-209 , 78A-6-307 , or 78A-6-307.5 ; or
             126          (B) a relative, other than a noncustodial parent, under Section 62A-4a-209 , 78A-6-307 ,
             127      or 78A-6-307.5 , pending completion of the background check described in Subsections (1)(f)
             128      and (g).
             129          (i) The office shall make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah
             130      Administrative Rulemaking Act, to implement the provisions of this Subsection (1) relating to
             131      background checks.
             132          (2) The office shall approve [a person] an applicant for whom identifying information
             133      is submitted under Subsection (1) to have direct access to children or vulnerable adults in the
             134      licensee program if:
             135          (a) (i) the [person] applicant is found to have no criminal history record; or
             136          (ii) (A) the only convictions in the [person's] applicant's criminal history record are
             137      misdemeanors or infractions not involving any of the offenses described in Subsection (3); and
             138          (B) the date of the last conviction under Subsection (2)(a)(ii)(A) is more than five years
             139      before the date of the search;
             140          (b) the [person] applicant is not listed in the statewide database of the Division of
             141      Aging and Adult Services created by Section 62A-3-311.1 ;
             142          (c) juvenile court records do not show that a court made a substantiated finding, under
             143      Section 78A-6-323 , that the [person] applicant committed a severe type of child abuse or
             144      neglect;
             145          (d) the [person] applicant is not listed in the Licensing Information System of the
             146      Division of Child and Family Services created by Section 62A-4a-1006 ;
             147          (e) the [person] applicant has not pled guilty or no contest to a pending charge for any:
             148          (i) felony;
             149          (ii) misdemeanor listed in Subsection (3); or

             150          (iii) infraction listed in Subsection (3); and
             151          (f) for [a person] an applicant described in Subsection (1)(g), the registry check
             152      described in Subsection (1)(g) does not indicate that the [person] applicant is listed in a child
             153      abuse and neglect registry of another state as having a substantiated or supported finding of a
             154      severe type of child abuse or neglect as defined in Section 62A-4a-1002 .
             155          (3) Except as provided in Subsection (8), unless at least 10 years have passed since the
             156      date of conviction, the office may not approve [a person] an applicant to have direct access to
             157      children or vulnerable adults in the licensee's human services program if [that person] the
             158      applicant has been convicted of an offense, whether a felony, misdemeanor, or infraction, that
             159      is:
             160          (a) identified as a sexual offense, domestic violence, lewdness, assault, or battery;
             161          (b) a violation of any pornography law, including sexual exploitation of a minor;
             162          (c) prostitution;
             163          (d) included in:
             164          (i) Title 76, Chapter 5, Offenses Against the Person;
             165          (ii) Section 76-5b-201 , Sexual Exploitation of a Minor; or
             166          (iii) Title 76, Chapter 7, Offenses Against the Family;
             167          (e) a violation of Section 76-6-103 , aggravated arson;
             168          (f) a violation of Section 76-6-203 , aggravated burglary;
             169          (g) a violation of Section 76-6-302 , aggravated robbery; or
             170          (h) a conviction for an offense committed outside of the state that, if committed in the
             171      state, would constitute a violation of an offense described in Subsections (3)(d) through (g).
             172          (4) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (8), if [a person] an applicant for whom
             173      identifying information is submitted under Subsection (1) is not approved by the office under
             174      Subsection (2) or (3) to have direct access to children or vulnerable adults in the licensee
             175      program, the office shall conduct a comprehensive review of criminal and court records and
             176      related circumstances if the reason the approval is not granted is due solely to one or more of
             177      the following:
             178          (i) a conviction for:
             179          (A) any felony not listed in Subsection (3);
             180          (B) any misdemeanor or infraction, not listed in Subsection (3), within five years of the

             181      date of the search;
             182          (C) a protective order or ex parte protective order violation under Section 76-5-108 or
             183      a similar statute in another state; or
             184          (D) any felony, misdemeanor, or infraction listed in Subsection (3) if at least 10 years
             185      have passed since the date of conviction;
             186          (ii) a plea of guilty or no contest to a pending:
             187          (A) felony;
             188          (B) misdemeanor listed in Subsection (3); or
             189          (C) infraction listed in Subsection (3);
             190          (iii) the [person] applicant is listed in the statewide database of the Division of Aging
             191      and Adult Services created by Section 62A-3-311.1 ;
             192          (iv) juvenile court records show that a court made a substantiated finding, under
             193      Section 78A-6-323 , that the [person] applicant committed a severe type of child abuse or
             194      neglect;
             195          (v) the [person] applicant is listed in the Licensing Information System of the Division
             196      of Child and Family Services created by Section 62A-4a-1006 ; or
             197          (vi) the [person] applicant is listed in a child abuse or neglect registry of another state
             198      as having a substantiated or supported finding of a severe type of child abuse or neglect as
             199      defined in Section 62A-4a-1002 .
             200          (b) The comprehensive review under Subsection (4)(a) shall include an examination of:
             201          (i) the date of the offense or incident;
             202          (ii) the nature and seriousness of the offense or incident;
             203          (iii) the circumstances under which the offense or incident occurred;
             204          (iv) the age of the perpetrator when the offense or incident occurred;
             205          (v) whether the offense or incident was an isolated or repeated incident;
             206          (vi) whether the offense or incident directly relates to abuse of a child or vulnerable
             207      adult, including:
             208          (A) actual or threatened, nonaccidental physical or mental harm;
             209          (B) sexual abuse;
             210          (C) sexual exploitation; and
             211          (D) negligent treatment;

             212          (vii) any evidence provided by the person of rehabilitation, counseling, or psychiatric
             213      treatment received, or additional academic or vocational schooling completed, by the person;
             214      and
             215          (viii) any other pertinent information.
             216          (c) At the conclusion of the comprehensive review under Subsection (4)(a), the office
             217      shall approve the [person] applicant who is the subject of the review to have direct access to
             218      children or vulnerable adults, unless it finds that approval will likely create a risk of harm to a
             219      child or vulnerable adult.
             220          (d) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
             221      office may make rules, consistent with this chapter, defining procedures for the comprehensive
             222      review described in this Subsection (4).
             223          (5) (a) For purposes of this Subsection (5), "directly supervised" means that the person
             224      being supervised is under the uninterrupted visual and auditory surveillance of the person doing
             225      the supervising.
             226          (b) A licensee may not permit any person to have direct access to a child or a
             227      vulnerable adult unless, subject to Subsection (5)(c), that person is:
             228          (i) associated with the licensee and:
             229          (A) approved by the office to have direct access to children or vulnerable adults under
             230      this section; or
             231          (B) (I) the office has not determined whether to approve that person to have direct
             232      access to children or vulnerable adults;
             233          (II) the information described in Subsection (1)(a), relating to that person, is submitted
             234      to the department; and
             235          (III) that person is directly supervised by a person associated with the licensee who is
             236      approved by the office to have direct access to children or vulnerable adults under this section;
             237          (ii) (A) not associated with the licensee; and
             238          (B) directly supervised by a person associated with the licensee who is approved by the
             239      office to have direct access to children or vulnerable adults under this section;
             240          (iii) the parent or guardian of the child or vulnerable adult; or
             241          (iv) a person approved by the parent or guardian of the child or vulnerable adult to
             242      have direct access to the child or vulnerable adult.

             243          (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (5)(b), a person may not have direct access to a child
             244      or a vulnerable adult if that person is prohibited by court order from having that access.
             245          (6) (a) Within 30 days after receiving the identifying information for a person under
             246      Subsection (1), the office shall give written notice to the person and to the licensee or applicant
             247      with whom the person is associated of:
             248          (i) the office's decision regarding its background screening clearance and findings; and
             249          (ii) a list of any convictions found in the search.
             250          (b) With the notice described in Subsection (6)(a), the office shall also give [to] the
             251      [person] applicant the details of any comprehensive review conducted under Subsection (4).
             252          (c) If the notice under Subsection (6)(a) states that the [person] applicant is not
             253      approved to have direct access to children or vulnerable adults, the notice shall further advise
             254      the persons to whom the notice is given that either the person or the licensee or applicant with
             255      whom the person is associated, or both, may, under Subsection 62A-2-111 (2), request a hearing
             256      in the department's Office of Administrative Hearings, to challenge the office's decision.
             257          (d) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
             258      office shall make rules, consistent with this chapter:
             259          (i) defining procedures for the challenge of its background screening decision
             260      described in this Subsection (6); and
             261          (ii) expediting the process for renewal of a license under the requirements of this
             262      section and other applicable sections.
             263          (7) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a), this section does not apply to an applicant for
             264      an initial license, or license renewal, to operate a substance abuse program that provides
             265      services to adults only.
             266          (8) (a) Notwithstanding Subsections (2) through (4), the office may not approve or
             267      license a person as a prospective foster parent or a prospective adoptive parent if the person has
             268      been convicted of:
             269          (i) a felony involving conduct that constitutes any of the following:
             270          (A) child abuse, as described in Section 76-5-109 ;
             271          (B) commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child, as described in Section
             272      76-5-109.1 ;
             273          (C) abuse or neglect of a child with a disability, as described in Section 76-5-110 ;

             274          (D) endangerment of a child, as described in Section 76-5-112.5 ;
             275          (E) aggravated murder, as described in Section 76-5-202 ;
             276          (F) murder, as described in Section 76-5-203 ;
             277          (G) manslaughter, as described in Section 76-5-205 ;
             278          (H) child abuse homicide, as described in Section 76-5-208 ;
             279          (I) homicide by assault, as described in Section 76-5-209 ;
             280          (J) kidnapping, as described in Section 76-5-301 ;
             281          (K) child kidnapping, as described in Section 76-5-301.1 ;
             282          (L) aggravated kidnapping, as described in Section 76-5-302 ;
             283          (M) an offense described in Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses;
             284          (N) an offense described in Section 76-5b-201 , Sexual Exploitation of a Minor;
             285          (O) aggravated arson, as described in Section 76-6-103 ;
             286          (P) aggravated burglary, as described in Section 76-6-203 ;
             287          (Q) aggravated robbery, as described in Section 76-6-302 ; or
             288          (R) domestic violence, as described in Section 77-36-1 ; or
             289          (ii) an offense committed outside the state that, if committed in the state, would
             290      constitute a violation of an offense described in Subsection (8)(a)(i).
             291          (b) Notwithstanding Subsections (2) through (4), the office may not approve or license
             292      a person as a prospective foster parent or a prospective adoptive parent if, within the five years
             293      immediately preceding the day on which the person would otherwise be approved or licensed,
             294      the person has been convicted of a felony involving conduct that constitutes any of the
             295      following:
             296          (i) aggravated assault, as described in Section 76-5-103 ;
             297          (ii) aggravated assault by a prisoner, as described in Section 76-5-103.5 ;
             298          (iii) mayhem, as described in Section 76-5-105 ;
             299          (iv) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37, Utah Controlled Substances Act;
             300          (v) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37a, Utah Drug Paraphernalia Act;
             301          (vi) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37b, Imitation Controlled Substances
             302      Act;
             303          (vii) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37c, Utah Controlled Substance
             304      Precursor Act; or

             305          (viii) an offense described in Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act.
             306          (9) If any provision of this section conflicts with a provision of Section 62A-2-120.5 ,
             307      the conflicting provision of Section 62A-2-120.5 shall govern.
             308          Section 2. Section 62A-4a-102 is amended to read:
             309           62A-4a-102. Policy responsibilities of division.
             310          (1) The Division of Child and Family Services, created in Section 62A-4a-103 , is
             311      responsible for establishing policies for the division, by rule, under Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah
             312      Administrative Rulemaking Act, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and Title
             313      78A, Chapter 6, Juvenile Court Act of 1996, regarding abuse, neglect, and dependency
             314      proceedings, and domestic violence services. The division is responsible to see that the
             315      legislative purposes for the division are carried out.
             316          (2) The division shall:
             317          (a) approve fee schedules for programs within the division;
             318          (b) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act,
             319      establish, by rule, policies to ensure that private citizens, consumers, foster parents, private
             320      contract providers, allied state and local agencies, and others are provided with an opportunity
             321      to comment and provide input regarding any new policy or proposed revision of an existing
             322      policy; and
             323          (c) provide a mechanism for:
             324          (i) systematic and regular review of existing [policy] policies, including an annual
             325      review of all division policies to ensure that policies comply with the Utah Code; and
             326          (ii) consideration of policy changes proposed by the persons and agencies described in
             327      Subsection (2)(b).
             328          (3) (a) The division shall establish rules for the determination of eligibility for services
             329      offered by the division in accordance with this chapter.
             330          (b) The division may, by rule, establish eligibility standards for consumers.
             331          (4) The division shall adopt and maintain rules regarding placement for adoption or
             332      foster care that are consistent with, and no more restrictive than, applicable statutory
             333      provisions.
             334          Section 3. Section 62A-4a-107 is amended to read:
             335           62A-4a-107. Mandatory education and training of caseworkers -- Development of

             336      curriculum.
             337          (1) There is created within the division a full-time position of Child Welfare Training
             338      Coordinator, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the director. The employee
             339      in that position is not responsible for direct casework services or the supervision of those
             340      services, but is required to:
             341          (a) develop child welfare curriculum that:
             342          (i) is current and effective, consistent with the division's mission and purpose for child
             343      welfare; and
             344          (ii) utilizes curriculum and resources from a variety of sources including those from:
             345          (A) the public sector;
             346          (B) the private sector; and
             347          (C) inside and outside of the state;
             348          (b) recruit, select, and supervise child welfare trainers;
             349          (c) develop a statewide training program, including a budget and identification of
             350      sources of funding to support that training;
             351          (d) evaluate the efficacy of training in improving job performance;
             352          (e) assist child protective services and foster care workers in developing and fulfilling
             353      their individual training plans;
             354          (f) monitor staff compliance with division training requirements and individual training
             355      plans; and
             356          (g) expand the collaboration between the division and schools of social work within
             357      institutions of higher education in developing child welfare services curriculum, and in
             358      providing and evaluating training.
             359          (2) (a) The director shall, with the assistance of the child welfare training coordinator,
             360      establish a core curriculum for child welfare services that is substantially equivalent to the
             361      Child Welfare League of America's Core Training for Child Welfare Caseworkers Curriculum.
             362          (b) Any child welfare caseworker who is employed by the division for the first time
             363      after July 1, 1999, shall, before assuming significant independent casework responsibilities,
             364      successfully complete:
             365          (i) the core curriculum; and
             366          (ii) except as provided in Subsection (2)(c), on-the-job training that consists of

             367      observing and accompanying at least two capable and experienced child welfare caseworkers
             368      as they perform work-related functions:
             369          (A) for three months if the caseworker has less than six months of on-the-job
             370      experience as a child welfare caseworker; or
             371          (B) for two months if the caseworker has six months or more but less than 24 months
             372      of on-the-job experience as a child welfare caseworker.
             373          (c) A child welfare caseworker with at least 24 months of on-the-job experience is not
             374      required to receive on-the-job training under Subsection (2)(b)(ii).
             375          (3) Child welfare caseworkers shall complete training in:
             376          (a) the legal duties of a child welfare caseworker;
             377          (b) the responsibility of a child welfare caseworker to protect the safety and legal rights
             378      of children, parents, and families at all stages of a case, including:
             379          (i) initial contact;
             380          (ii) investigation; and
             381          (iii) treatment;
             382          (c) recognizing situations involving:
             383          (i) substance abuse;
             384          (ii) domestic violence;
             385          (iii) abuse; and
             386          (iv) neglect; and
             387          (d) the relationship of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution of
             388      the United States to the child welfare caseworker's job, including:
             389          (i) search and seizure of evidence;
             390          (ii) the warrant requirement;
             391          (iii) exceptions to the warrant requirement; and
             392          (iv) removing a child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian.
             393          (4) The division shall train its child welfare caseworkers to apply the risk assessment
             394      tools and rules described in Subsection 62A-4a-1002 (2).
             395          (5) The division shall use the training of child welfare caseworkers to emphasize:
             396          (a) the importance of maintaining the parent-child relationship whenever possible;
             397          (b) the preference for providing in-home services over taking a child into protective

             398      custody, both for the emotional well-being of the child and the efficient allocation of resources;
             399      and
             400          (c) the importance and priority of kinship placement in the event a child must be taken
             401      into protective custody.
             402          [(5)] (6) When a child welfare caseworker is hired, before assuming significant
             403      independent casework responsibilities, the child welfare caseworker shall complete the training
             404      described in Subsections (3) [and (4)] through (5).
             405          Section 4. Section 62A-4a-202.1 is amended to read:
             406           62A-4a-202.1. Entering home of a child -- Taking a child into protective custody
             407      -- Caseworker accompanied by peace officer -- Preventive services -- Shelter facility or
             408      emergency placement.
             409          (1) A peace officer or child welfare worker may not:
             410          (a) enter the home of a child who is not under the jurisdiction of the court, remove a
             411      child from the child's home or school, or take a child into protective custody unless authorized
             412      under Subsection 78A-6-106 (2)[.]; or
             413          (b) remove a child from the child's home or take a child into custody under this section
             414      solely on the basis of educational neglect, truancy, or failure to comply with a court order to
             415      attend school.
             416          (2) A child welfare worker within the division may take action under Subsection (1)
             417      accompanied by a peace officer, or without a peace officer when a peace officer is not
             418      reasonably available.
             419          (3) (a) If possible, consistent with the child's safety and welfare, before taking a child
             420      into protective custody, the child welfare worker shall also determine whether there are
             421      services available that, if provided to a parent or guardian of the child, would eliminate the
             422      need to remove the child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian.
             423          (b) If the services described in Subsection (3)(a) are reasonably available, they shall be
             424      utilized.
             425          (c) In determining whether the services described in Subsection (3)(a) are reasonably
             426      available, and in making reasonable efforts to provide those services, the child's health, safety,
             427      and welfare shall be the child welfare worker's paramount concern.
             428          (4) (a) A child removed or taken into custody under this section may not be placed or

             429      kept in a secure detention facility pending court proceedings unless the child is detainable
             430      based on guidelines promulgated by the Division of Juvenile Justice Services.
             431          (b) A child removed from the custody of the child's parent or guardian but who does
             432      not require physical restriction shall be given temporary care in:
             433          (i) a shelter facility; or
             434          (ii) an emergency placement in accordance with Section 62A-4a-209 .
             435          (c) When making a placement under Subsection (4)(b), the Division of Child and
             436      Family Services shall give priority to a placement with a noncustodial parent, relative, or
             437      friend, in accordance with Section 62A-4a-209 .
             438          (d) If the child is not placed with a noncustodial parent, a relative, or a designated
             439      friend, the caseworker assigned to the child shall file a report with the caseworker's supervisor
             440      explaining why a different placement was in the child's best interest.
             441          Section 5. Section 62A-4a-202.6 is amended to read:
             442           62A-4a-202.6. Conflict child protective services investigations -- Authority of
             443      investigators.
             444          (1) (a) The division shall contract with an independent child protective service
             445      investigator from the private sector to investigate reports of abuse or neglect of a child that
             446      occur while the child is in the custody of the division.
             447          (b) The executive director shall designate an entity within the department, other than
             448      the division, to monitor the contract for the investigators described in Subsection (1)(a).
             449          (c) [When] Subject to Subsection (4), when a report is made that a child is abused or
             450      neglected while in the custody of the division:
             451          (i) the attorney general may, in accordance with Section 67-5-16 , and with the consent
             452      of the division, employ a child protective services investigator to conduct a conflict
             453      investigation of the report; or
             454          (ii) a law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 53-13-103 , may, with the consent
             455      of the division, conduct a conflict investigation of the report.
             456          (d) Subsection (1)(c)(ii) does not prevent a law enforcement officer from, without the
             457      consent of the division, conducting a criminal investigation of abuse or neglect under Title 53,
             458      Public Safety Code.
             459          (2) The investigators described in Subsections (1)(c) and (d) may also investigate

             460      allegations of abuse or neglect of a child by a department employee or a licensed substitute care
             461      provider.
             462          (3) The investigators described in Subsection (1), if not peace officers, shall have the
             463      same rights, duties, and authority of a child protective services investigator employed by the
             464      division to:
             465          (a) make a thorough investigation upon receiving either an oral or written report of
             466      alleged abuse or neglect of a child, with the primary purpose of that investigation being the
             467      protection of the child;
             468          (b) make an inquiry into the child's home environment, emotional, or mental health, the
             469      nature and extent of the child's injuries, and the child's physical safety;
             470          (c) make a written report of their investigation, including determination regarding
             471      whether the alleged abuse or neglect was substantiated, unsubstantiated, or without merit, and
             472      forward a copy of that report to the division within the time mandates for investigations
             473      established by the division; and
             474          (d) immediately consult with school authorities to verify the child's status in
             475      accordance with Sections 53A-11-101 through 53A-11-103 when a report is based upon or
             476      includes an allegation of educational neglect.
             477          (4) If there is a lapse in the contract with a private child protective service investigator
             478      and no other investigator is available under Subsection (1)(a) or (c), the department may
             479      conduct an independent investigation.
             480          Section 6. Section 62A-4a-209 is amended to read:
             481           62A-4a-209. Emergency placement.
             482          (1) As used in this section:
             483          (a) "Nonrelative" means an individual, other than a noncustodial parent or a relative.
             484          (b) "Relative" is as defined in Subsection 78A-6-307 (1)(b).
             485          (2) The division may use an emergency placement under Subsection
             486      62A-4a-202.1 (4)(b)(ii) when:
             487          (a) the case worker has made the determination that:
             488          (i) the child's home is unsafe;
             489          (ii) removal is necessary under the provisions of Section 62A-4a-202.1 ; and
             490          (iii) the child's custodial parent or guardian will agree to not remove the child from the

             491      home of the person that serves as the placement and not have any contact with the child until
             492      after the shelter hearing required by Section 78A-6-306 ;
             493          (b) a person, with preference being given in accordance with Subsection (4), can be
             494      identified who has the ability and is willing to provide care for the child who would otherwise
             495      be placed in shelter care, including:
             496          (i) taking the child to medical, mental health, dental, and educational appointments at
             497      the request of the division; and
             498          (ii) making the child available to division services and the guardian ad litem; and
             499          (c) the person described in Subsection (2)(b) agrees to care for the child on an
             500      emergency basis under the following conditions:
             501          (i) the person meets the criteria for an emergency placement under Subsection (3);
             502          (ii) the person agrees to not allow the custodial parent or guardian to have any contact
             503      with the child until after the shelter hearing unless authorized by the division in writing;
             504          (iii) the person agrees to contact law enforcement and the division if the custodial
             505      parent or guardian attempts to make unauthorized contact with the child;
             506          (iv) the person agrees to allow the division and the child's guardian ad litem to have
             507      access to the child;
             508          (v) the person has been informed and understands that the division may continue to
             509      search for other possible placements for long-term care, if needed;
             510          (vi) the person is willing to assist the custodial parent or guardian in reunification
             511      efforts at the request of the division, and to follow all court orders; and
             512          (vii) the child is comfortable with the person.
             513          (3) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (5), before the division places a child
             514      in an emergency placement, the division:
             515          (a) may request the name of a reference and may contact the reference to determine the
             516      answer to the following questions:
             517          (i) would the person identified as a reference place a child in the home of the
             518      emergency placement; and
             519          (ii) are there any other relatives or friends to consider as a possible emergency or
             520      long-term placement for the child;
             521          (b) shall have the custodial parent or guardian sign an emergency placement agreement

             522      form during the investigation;
             523          (c) (i) if the emergency placement will be with a relative of the child, shall comply with
             524      the background check provisions described in Subsection (7); or
             525          (ii) if the emergency placement will be with a person other than a noncustodial parent
             526      or a relative, shall comply with the criminal background check provisions described in Section
             527      78A-6-308 for adults living in the household where the child will be placed;
             528          (d) shall complete a limited home inspection of the home where the emergency
             529      placement is made; and
             530          (e) shall have the emergency placement approved by a family service specialist.
             531          (4) (a) The following order of preference shall be applied when determining the person
             532      with whom a child will be placed in an emergency placement described in this section,
             533      provided that the person is willing, and has the ability, to care for the child:
             534          (i) a noncustodial parent of the child in accordance with Section 78A-6-307 ;
             535          (ii) a relative of the child;
             536          (iii) subject to Subsection (4)(b), a friend designated by the custodial parent or
             537      guardian of the child, if the friend is a licensed foster parent; and
             538          (iv) a shelter facility, former foster placement, or other foster placement designated by
             539      the division.
             540          (b) Unless the division agrees otherwise, the custodial parent or guardian described in
             541      Subsection (4)(a)(iii) may only designate one friend as a potential emergency placement.
             542          (5) (a) The division may, pending the outcome of the investigation described in
             543      Subsections (5)(b) and (c), place a child in emergency placement with the child's noncustodial
             544      parent if, based on a limited investigation, prior to making the emergency placement, the
             545      division:
             546          (i) determines that the noncustodial parent has regular, unsupervised visitation with the
             547      child that is not prohibited by law or court order;
             548          (ii) determines that there is not reason to believe that the child's health or safety will be
             549      endangered during the emergency placement; and
             550          (iii) has the custodial parent or guardian sign an emergency placement agreement.
             551          (b) Either before or after making an emergency placement with the noncustodial parent
             552      of the child, the division may conduct the investigation described in Subsection (3)(a) in

             553      relation to the noncustodial parent.
             554          (c) Before, or within one day, excluding weekends and holidays, after a child is placed
             555      in an emergency placement with the noncustodial parent of the child, the division shall conduct
             556      a limited:
             557          (i) background check of the noncustodial parent, pursuant to Subsection (7); and
             558          (ii) inspection of the home where the emergency placement is made.
             559          (6) After an emergency placement, the division caseworker must:
             560          (a) respond to the emergency placement's calls within one hour if the custodial parents
             561      or guardians attempt to make unauthorized contact with the child or attempt to remove the
             562      child;
             563          (b) complete all removal paperwork, including the notice provided to the custodial
             564      parents and guardians under Section 78A-6-306 ;
             565          (c) contact the attorney general to schedule a shelter hearing;
             566          (d) complete the placement procedures required in Section 78A-6-307 ; and
             567          (e) continue to search for other relatives as a possible long-term placement, if needed.
             568          (7) (a) The background check described in Subsection (3)(c)(i) shall include:
             569          (i) completion of a nonfingerprint-based, Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
             570      background check; and
             571          (ii) a completed search of the Management Information System described in Section
             572      62A-4a-1003 .
             573          (b) The division shall determine whether a person passes the background check
             574      described in this Subsection (7) pursuant to the provisions of Subsections 62A-2-120 (2), (3),
             575      and (8).
             576          (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (7)(b), the division may not place a child with an
             577      individual who is prohibited by court order from having access to that child.
             578          Section 7. Section 62A-4a-404 is amended to read:
             579           62A-4a-404. Fetal alcohol syndrome and drug dependency -- Reporting
             580      requirements.
             581          When [any person] an individual, including a licensee under the Medical Practice Act
             582      or the Nurse Practice Act, attends the birth of a child or cares for a child, and determines that
             583      the child, at the time of birth, has fetal alcohol syndrome [or], fetal alcohol spectrum disorder,

             584      or fetal drug dependency, [he] the individual shall report that determination to the division as
             585      soon as possible.
             585a           S. [ S. Section 8. Section 78A-4-201 is enacted to read:
             585b           78A-4-201. Appellate review of juvenile courts.
             585c          (1) The court shall apply nondeferential de novo review to issues of fact and law raised
             585d      in an appeal of a juvenile court's:
             585e          (a) finding of abuse;
             585f          (b) finding of neglect; or
             585g          (c) order terminating parental rights.
             585h          (2) The issue of whether the evidence presented in a juvenile court, taken as a whole,
             585i      constitutes clear and convincing evidence shall be a matter of law subject to review by the
             585j      court. .S ] .S
             586          Section S. [ 8 ] 9 .S . Section 78A-6-302 is amended to read:
             587           78A-6-302. Court-ordered protective custody of a child following petition filing --
             588      Grounds.
             589          (1) After a petition has been filed under Section 78A-6-304 , if the child who is the
             590      subject of the petition is not in the protective custody of the division, a court may order that the
             591      child be removed from the child's home or otherwise taken into protective custody if the court
             592      finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that any one or more of the following circumstances
             593      exist:
             594          (a) (i) there is an imminent danger to the physical health or safety of the child; and
             595          (ii) the child's physical health or safety may not be protected without removing the
             596      child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian;
             597          (b) (i) a parent or guardian engages in or threatens the child with unreasonable conduct
             598      that causes the child to suffer emotional damage; and
             599          (ii) there are no reasonable means available by which the child's emotional health may
             600      be protected without removing the child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian;
             601          (c) the child or another child residing in the same household has been, or is considered
             602      to be at substantial risk of being, physically abused, sexually abused, or sexually exploited, by a
             603      parent or guardian, a member of the parent's or guardian's household, or other person known to
             604      the parent or guardian;
             605          (d) the parent or guardian is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
             606          (e) the child is abandoned or left without any provision for the child's support;
             607          (f) a parent or guardian who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not arranged

             608      or cannot arrange for safe and appropriate care for the child;
             609          (g) (i) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the child is left by the parent or
             610      guardian is unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the child;
             611          (ii) the whereabouts of the parent or guardian are unknown; and
             612          (iii) reasonable efforts to locate the parent or guardian are unsuccessful;
             613          (h) the child is in immediate need of medical care;
             614          (i) (i) a parent's or guardian's actions, omissions, or habitual action create an

             615      environment that poses a threat to the child's health or safety; or
             616          (ii) a parent's or guardian's action in leaving a child unattended would reasonably pose
             617      a threat to the child's health or safety;
             618          (j) the child or another child residing in the same household has been neglected;
             619          (k) an infant has been abandoned, as defined in Section 78A-6-316 ;
             620          (l) (i) the parent or guardian, or an adult residing in the same household as the parent or
             621      guardian, is charged or arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act;
             622      and
             623          (ii) any clandestine laboratory operation was located in the residence or on the property
             624      where the child resided; or
             625          (m) the child's welfare is otherwise endangered.
             626          (2) (a) For purposes of Subsection (1)(a), if a child has previously been adjudicated as
             627      abused, neglected, or dependent, and a subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency
             628      occurs involving the same substantiated abuser or under similar circumstance as the previous
             629      abuse, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the child cannot safely remain in the
             630      custody of the child's parent.
             631          (b) For purposes of Subsection (1)(c):
             632          (i) another child residing in the same household may not be removed from the home
             633      unless that child is considered to be at substantial risk of being physically abused, sexually
             634      abused, or sexually exploited as described in Subsection (1)(c) or Subsection (2)(b)(ii); and
             635          (ii) if a parent or guardian has received actual notice that physical abuse, sexual abuse,
             636      or sexual exploitation by a person known to the parent has occurred, and there is evidence that
             637      the parent or guardian failed to protect the child, after having received the notice, by allowing
             638      the child to be in the physical presence of the alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie
             639      evidence that the child is at substantial risk of being physically abused, sexually abused, or
             640      sexually exploited.
             641          (3) In the absence of one of the factors described in Subsection (1), a court may not
             642      remove a child from the parent's or guardian's custody on the basis of:
             643          (a) educational neglect, truancy, or failure to comply with a court order to attend
             644      school;
             645          (b) mental illness or poverty of the parent or guardian; or

             646          (c) disability of the parent or guardian, as defined in Section 57-21-2 .
             647          (4) A child removed from the custody of the child's parent or guardian under this
             648      section may not be placed or kept in a secure detention facility pending further court
             649      proceedings unless the child is detainable based on guidelines promulgated by the Division of
             650      Juvenile Justice Services.
             651          (5) This section does not preclude removal of a child from the child's home without a
             652      warrant or court order under Section 62A-4a-202.1 .
             653          (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), a court or the Division of Child and
             654      Family Services may not remove a child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian on
             655      the sole or primary basis that the parent or guardian refuses to consent to:
             656          (i) the administration of a psychotropic medication to a child;
             657          (ii) a psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral treatment for a child; or
             658          (iii) a psychiatric or behavioral health evaluation of a child.
             659          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (6)(a), a court or the Division of Child and Family
             660      Services may remove a child under conditions that would otherwise be prohibited under
             661      Subsection (6)(a) if failure to take an action described under Subsection (6)(a) would present a
             662      serious, imminent risk to the child's physical safety or the physical safety of others.
             663          Section 9. Section 78A-6-306 is amended to read:
             664           78A-6-306. Shelter hearing.
             665          (1) A shelter hearing shall be held within 72 hours excluding weekends and holidays
             666      after any one or all of the following occur:
             667          (a) removal of the child from the child's home by the division;
             668          (b) placement of the child in the protective custody of the division;
             669          (c) emergency placement under Subsection 62A-4a-202.1 (4);
             670          (d) as an alternative to removal of the child, a parent enters a domestic violence shelter
             671      at the request of the division; or
             672          (e) a "Motion for Expedited Placement in Temporary Custody" is filed under
             673      Subsection 78A-6-106 (4).
             674          (2) Upon the occurrence of any of the circumstances described in Subsections (1)(a)
             675      through (e), the division shall issue a notice that contains all of the following:
             676          (a) the name and address of the person to whom the notice is directed;

             677          (b) the date, time, and place of the shelter hearing;
             678          (c) the name of the child on whose behalf a petition is being brought;
             679          (d) a concise statement regarding:
             680          (i) the reasons for removal or other action of the division under Subsection (1); and
             681          (ii) the allegations and code sections under which the proceeding has been instituted;
             682          (e) a statement that the parent or guardian to whom notice is given, and the child, are
             683      entitled to have an attorney present at the shelter hearing, and that if the parent or guardian is
             684      indigent and cannot afford an attorney, and desires to be represented by an attorney, one will be
             685      provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 78A-6-1111 ; and
             686          (f) a statement that the parent or guardian is liable for the cost of support of the child in
             687      the protective custody, temporary custody, and custody of the division, and the cost for legal
             688      counsel appointed for the parent or guardian under Subsection (2)(e), according to the financial
             689      ability of the parent or guardian.
             690          (3) The notice described in Subsection (2) shall be personally served as soon as
             691      possible, but no later than one business day after removal of the child from the child's home, or
             692      the filing of a "Motion for Expedited Placement in Temporary Custody" under Subsection
             693      78A-6-106 (4), on:
             694          (a) the appropriate guardian ad litem; and
             695          (b) both parents and any guardian of the child, unless the parents or guardians cannot
             696      be located.
             697          (4) The following persons shall be present at the shelter hearing:
             698          (a) the child, unless it would be detrimental for the child;
             699          (b) the child's parents or guardian, unless the parents or guardian cannot be located, or
             700      fail to appear in response to the notice;
             701          (c) counsel for the parents, if one is requested;
             702          (d) the child's guardian ad litem;
             703          (e) the caseworker from the division who is assigned to the case; and
             704          (f) the attorney from the attorney general's office who is representing the division.
             705          (5) (a) At the shelter hearing, the court shall:
             706          (i) provide an opportunity to provide relevant testimony to:
             707          (A) the child's parent or guardian, if present; and

             708          (B) any other person having relevant knowledge; and
             709          (ii) subject to Section 78A-6-305 , provide an opportunity for the child to testify.
             710          (b) The court:
             711          (i) may consider all relevant evidence, in accordance with the Utah Rules of Juvenile
             712      Procedure;
             713          (ii) shall hear relevant evidence presented by the child, the child's parent or guardian,
             714      the requesting party, or their counsel; and
             715          (iii) may in its discretion limit testimony and evidence to only that which goes to the
             716      issues of removal and the child's need for continued protection.
             717          (6) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the division shall report to
             718      the court:
             719          (a) the reason why the child was removed from the parent's or guardian's custody;
             720          (b) any services provided to the child and the child's family in an effort to prevent
             721      removal;
             722          (c) the need, if any, for continued shelter;
             723          (d) the available services that could facilitate the return of the child to the custody of
             724      the child's parent or guardian; and
             725          (e) subject to Subsections 78A-6-307 (18)(c) through (e), whether any relatives of the
             726      child or friends of the child's parents may be able and willing to accept temporary placement of
             727      the child.
             728          (7) The court shall consider all relevant evidence provided by persons or entities
             729      authorized to present relevant evidence pursuant to this section.
             730          (8) (a) If necessary to protect the child, preserve the rights of a party, or for other good
             731      cause shown, the court may grant no more than one continuance, not to exceed five judicial
             732      days.
             733          (b) A court shall honor, as nearly as practicable, the request by a parent or guardian for
             734      a continuance under Subsection (8)(a).
             735          (9) (a) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the court shall order that
             736      the child be released from the protective custody of the division unless it finds, by a
             737      preponderance of the evidence, that any one of the following exist:
             738          (i) subject to Subsection (9)(b)(i), there is a substantial danger to the physical health or

             739      safety of the child and the child's physical health or safety may not be protected without
             740      removing the child from the custody of the child's parent;
             741          (ii) (A) the child is suffering emotional damage; and
             742          (B) there are no reasonable means available by which the child's emotional health may
             743      be protected without removing the child from the custody of the child's parent;
             744          (iii) there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer abuse or neglect if the child is
             745      not removed from the custody of the child's parents;
             746          (iv) subject to Subsection (9)(b)(ii), the child or a minor residing in the same
             747      household has been, or is considered to be at substantial risk of being, physically abused,
             748      sexually abused, or sexually exploited by a:
             749          (A) parent;
             750          (B) member of the parent's household; or
             751          (C) person known to the parent;
             752          (v) the parent is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
             753          (vi) the child is without any provision for the child's support;
             754          (vii) a parent who is incarcerated or institutionalized has not or cannot arrange for safe
             755      and appropriate care for the child;
             756          (viii) (A) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the child is left by the parent is
             757      unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the child;
             758          (B) the whereabouts of the parent are unknown; and
             759          (C) reasonable efforts to locate the parent are unsuccessful;
             760          (ix) the child is in urgent need of medical care;
             761          (x) the physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended beyond a
             762      reasonable period of time poses a threat to the child's health or safety;
             763          (xi) the child or a minor residing in the same household has been neglected;
             764          (xii) the parent, or an adult residing in the same household as the parent, is charged or
             765      arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act, and any clandestine
             766      laboratory operation was located in the residence or on the property where the child resided; or
             767          (xiii) the child's welfare is substantially endangered.
             768          (b) (i) Prima facie evidence of the finding described in Subsection (9)(a)(i) is
             769      established if:

             770          (A) a court previously adjudicated that the child suffered abuse, neglect, or dependency
             771      involving the parent; and
             772          (B) a subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency involving the parent occurs.
             773          (ii) For purposes of Subsection (9)(a)(iv), if the court finds that the parent knowingly
             774      allowed the child to be in the physical care of a person after the parent received actual notice
             775      that the person physically abused, sexually abused, or sexually exploited the child, that fact
             776      constitutes prima facie evidence that there is a substantial risk that the child will be physically
             777      abused, sexually abused, or sexually exploited.
             778          (10) (a) (i) The court shall also make a determination on the record as to whether
             779      reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the
             780      child's home and whether there are available services that would prevent the need for continued
             781      removal.
             782          (ii) If the court finds that the child can be safely returned to the custody of the child's
             783      parent or guardian through the provision of those services, the court shall place the child with
             784      the child's parent or guardian and order that those services be provided by the division.
             785          (b) In making the determination described in Subsection (10)(a), and in ordering and
             786      providing services, the child's health, safety, and welfare shall be the paramount concern, in
             787      accordance with federal law.
             788          (11) Where the division's first contact with the family occurred during an emergency
             789      situation in which the child could not safely remain at home, the court shall make a finding that
             790      any lack of preplacement preventive efforts was appropriate.
             791          (12) In cases where actual sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, abandonment, severe
             792      abuse, or severe neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make
             793      "reasonable efforts" or to, in any other way, attempt to maintain a child in the child's home,
             794      return a child to the child's home, provide reunification services, or attempt to rehabilitate the
             795      offending parent or parents.
             796          (13) The court may not order continued removal of a child solely on the basis of
             797      educational neglect as described in Subsection 78A-6-105 (25)(b) truancy, or failure to comply
             798      with a court order to attend school.
             799          (14) (a) Whenever a court orders continued removal of a child under this section, the
             800      court shall state the facts on which that decision is based.

             801          (b) If no continued removal is ordered and the child is returned home, the court shall
             802      state the facts on which that decision is based.
             803          (15) If the court finds that continued removal and temporary custody are necessary for
             804      the protection of a child because harm may result to the child if the child were returned home,
             805      the court shall order continued removal regardless of:
             806          (a) any error in the initial removal of the child;
             807          (b) the failure of a party to comply with notice provisions; or
             808          (c) any other procedural requirement of this chapter or Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child
             809      and Family Services.
             810          Section 10. Section 78A-6-308 is amended to read:
             811           78A-6-308. Criminal background checks necessary prior to out-of-home
             812      placement.
             813          (1) Subject to Subsection (3), upon ordering removal of a child from the custody of the
             814      child's parent and placing that child in the custody of the Division of Child and Family
             815      Services, prior to the division's placement of that child in out-of-home care, the court shall
             816      require the completion of a nonfingerprint-based background check by the Utah Bureau of
             817      Criminal Identification regarding the proposed placement.
             818          (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (4), the division and the Office of Guardian ad
             819      Litem may request, or the court upon the court's own motion may order, the Department of
             820      Public Safety to conduct a complete Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background
             821      check through the national criminal history system (NCIC).
             822          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (4), upon request by the division or the Office of
             823      Guardian ad Litem, or upon the court's order, persons subject to the requirements of Subsection
             824      (1) shall submit fingerprints and shall be subject to an FBI fingerprint background check. The
             825      child may be temporarily placed, pending the outcome of that background check.
             826          (c) The cost of those investigations shall be borne by whoever is to receive placement
             827      of the child, except that the Division of Child and Family Services may pay all or part of the
             828      cost of those investigations.
             829          (3) Except as provided in Subsection (5), a child who is in the legal custody of the state
             830      may not be placed with a prospective foster parent or a prospective adoptive parent, unless,
             831      before the child is placed with the prospective foster parent or the prospective adoptive parent:

             832          (a) a fingerprint based FBI national criminal history records check is conducted on the
             833      prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent and any other adult residing in the
             834      household;
             835          (b) the Department of Human Services conducts a check of the abuse and neglect
             836      registry in each state where the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent resided
             837      in the five years immediately preceding the day on which the prospective foster parent or
             838      prospective adoptive parent applied to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, to determine
             839      whether the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent is listed in the registry as
             840      having a substantiated or supported finding of a severe type of abuse or neglect as defined in
             841      Section 62A-4a-1002 ;
             842          (c) the Department of Human Services conducts a check of the abuse and neglect
             843      registry of each state where each adult living in the home of the prospective foster parent or
             844      prospective adoptive parent described in Subsection (3)(b) resided in the five years
             845      immediately preceding the day on which the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive
             846      parent applied to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, to determine whether the adult is listed
             847      in the registry as having a substantiated or supported finding of a severe type of abuse or
             848      neglect as defined in Section 62A-4a-1002 ; and
             849          (d) each person required to undergo a background check described in this Subsection
             850      (3) passes the background check, pursuant to the provisions of Section 62A-2-120 .
             851          (4) Subsections (2)(a) and (b) do not apply to a child who is placed with a noncustodial
             852      parent or relative under Section 62A-4a-209 , 78A-6-307 , or 78A-6-307.5 , unless the court
             853      finds that compliance with Subsection (2)(a) or (b) is necessary to ensure the safety of the
             854      child.
             855          (5) The requirements under Subsection (3) do not apply to the extent that:
             856          (a) federal law or rule permits otherwise; or
             857          (b) the requirements would prohibit the division or a court from placing a child with:
             858          (i) a noncustodial parent, under Section 62A-4a-209 , 78A-6-307 , or 78A-6-307.5 ; or
             859          (ii) a relative, under Section 62A-4a-209 , 78A-6-307 , or 78A-6-307.5 , pending
             860      completion of the background check described in Subsection (3).
             861          Section 11. Section 78A-6-312 is amended to read:
             862           78A-6-312. Dispositional hearing -- Reunification services -- Exceptions.

             863          (1) The court may:
             864          (a) make any of the dispositions described in Section 78A-6-117 ;
             865          (b) place the minor in the custody or guardianship of any:
             866          (i) individual; or
             867          (ii) public or private entity or agency; or
             868          (c) order:
             869          (i) protective supervision;
             870          (ii) family preservation;
             871          (iii) subject to Subsection 78A-6-117 (2)(n)(iii), medical or mental health treatment; or
             872          (iv) other services.
             873          (2) Whenever the court orders continued removal at the dispositional hearing, and that
             874      the minor remain in the custody of the division, the court shall first:
             875          (a) establish a primary permanency goal for the minor; and
             876          (b) determine whether, in view of the primary permanency goal, reunification services
             877      are appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, pursuant to Subsections (20) through (22).
             878          (3) Subject to Subsections (6) and (7), if the court determines that reunification
             879      services are appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, the court shall provide for
             880      reasonable parent-time with the parent or parents from whose custody the minor was removed,
             881      unless parent-time is not in the best interest of the minor.
             882          (4) In cases where obvious sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, abandonment, severe
             883      abuse, or severe neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make
             884      "reasonable efforts" or to, in any other way, attempt to provide reunification services, or to
             885      attempt to rehabilitate the offending parent or parents.
             886          (5) In all cases, the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the court's paramount
             887      concern in determining whether reasonable efforts to reunify should be made.
             888          (6) For purposes of Subsection (3), parent-time is in the best interests of a minor unless
             889      the court makes a finding that it is necessary to deny parent-time in order to:
             890          (a) protect the physical safety of the minor;
             891          (b) protect the life of the minor; or
             892          (c) prevent the minor from being traumatized by contact with the parent due to the
             893      minor's fear of the parent in light of the nature of the alleged abuse or neglect.

             894          (7) Notwithstanding Subsection (3), a court may not deny parent-time based solely on a
             895      parent's failure to:
             896          (a) prove that the parent has not used legal or illegal substances; or
             897          (b) comply with an aspect of the child and family plan that is ordered by the court.
             898          (8) In addition to the primary permanency goal, the court shall establish a concurrent
             899      permanency goal that shall include:
             900          (a) a representative list of the conditions under which the primary permanency goal
             901      will be abandoned in favor of the concurrent permanency goal; and
             902          (b) an explanation of the effect of abandoning or modifying the primary permanency
             903      goal.
             904          (9) A permanency hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Subsection
             905      78A-6-314 (1)(b) within 30 days after the day on which the dispositional hearing ends if
             906      something other than reunification is initially established as a minor's primary permanency
             907      goal.
             908          (10) (a) The court may amend a minor's primary permanency goal before the
             909      establishment of a final permanency plan under Section 78A-6-314 .
             910          (b) The court is not limited to the terms of the concurrent permanency goal in the event
             911      that the primary permanency goal is abandoned.
             912          (c) If, at any time, the court determines that reunification is no longer a minor's primary
             913      permanency goal, the court shall conduct a permanency hearing in accordance with Section
             914      78A-6-314 on or before the earlier of:
             915          (i) 30 days after the day on which the court makes the determination described in this
             916      Subsection (10)(c); or
             917          (ii) the day on which the provision of reunification services, described in Section
             918      78A-6-314 , ends.
             919          (11) (a) If the court determines that reunification services are appropriate, it shall order
             920      that the division make reasonable efforts to provide services to the minor and the minor's
             921      parent for the purpose of facilitating reunification of the family, for a specified period of time.
             922          (b) In providing the services described in Subsection (11)(a), the minor's health, safety,
             923      and welfare shall be the division's paramount concern, and the court shall so order.
             924          (12) The court shall:

             925          (a) determine whether the services offered or provided by the division under the child
             926      and family plan constitute "reasonable efforts" on the part of the division;
             927          (b) determine and define the responsibilities of the parent under the child and family
             928      plan in accordance with Subsection 62A-4a-205 (6)(e); and
             929          (c) identify verbally on the record, or in a written document provided to the parties, the
             930      responsibilities described in Subsection (12)(b), for the purpose of assisting in any future
             931      determination regarding the provision of reasonable efforts, in accordance with state and
             932      federal law.
             933          (13) (a) The time period for reunification services may not exceed 12 months from the
             934      date that the minor was initially removed from the minor's home, unless the time period is
             935      extended under Subsection 78A-6-314 (8).
             936          (b) Nothing in this section may be construed to entitle any parent to an entire 12
             937      months of reunification services.
             938          (14) (a) If reunification services are ordered, the court may terminate those services at
             939      any time.
             940          (b) If, at any time, continuation of reasonable efforts to reunify a minor is determined
             941      to be inconsistent with the final permanency plan for the minor established pursuant to Section
             942      78A-6-314 , then measures shall be taken, in a timely manner, to:
             943          (i) place the minor in accordance with the permanency plan; and
             944          (ii) complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the
             945      minor.
             946          (15) Any physical custody of the minor by the parent or a relative during the period
             947      described in Subsections (11) through (14) does not interrupt the running of the period.
             948          (16) (a) If reunification services are ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted
             949      by the court in accordance with Section 78A-6-314 at the expiration of the time period for
             950      reunification services.
             951          (b) The permanency hearing shall be held no later than 12 months after the original
             952      removal of the minor.
             953          (c) If reunification services are not ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted
             954      within 30 days, in accordance with Section 78A-6-314 .
             955          (17) With regard to a minor who is 36 months of age or younger at the time the minor

             956      is initially removed from the home, the court shall:
             957          (a) hold a permanency hearing eight months after the date of the initial removal,
             958      pursuant to Section 78A-6-314 ; and
             959          (b) order the discontinuance of those services after eight months from the initial
             960      removal of the minor from the home if the parent or parents have not made substantial efforts
             961      to comply with the child and family plan.
             962          (18) With regard to a minor in the custody of the division whose parent or parents are
             963      ordered to receive reunification services but who have abandoned that minor for a period of six
             964      months from the date that reunification services were ordered:
             965          (a) the court shall terminate reunification services; and
             966          (b) the division shall petition the court for termination of parental rights.
             967          (19) When a court conducts a permanency hearing for a minor under Section
             968      78A-6-314 , the court shall attempt to keep the minor's sibling group together if keeping the
             969      sibling group together is:
             970          (a) practicable; and
             971          (b) in accordance with the best interest of the minor.
             972          (20) (a) Because of the state's interest in and responsibility to protect and provide
             973      permanency for minors who are abused, neglected, or dependent, the Legislature finds that a
             974      parent's interest in receiving reunification services is limited.
             975          (b) The court may determine that:
             976          (i) efforts to reunify a minor with the minor's family are not reasonable or appropriate,
             977      based on the individual circumstances; and
             978          (ii) reunification services should not be provided.
             979          (c) In determining "reasonable efforts" to be made with respect to a minor, and in
             980      making "reasonable efforts," the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the paramount
             981      concern.
             982          (21) There is a presumption that reunification services should not be provided to a
             983      parent if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that any of the following
             984      circumstances exist:
             985          (a) the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, based upon a verified affidavit
             986      indicating that a reasonably diligent search has failed to locate the parent;

             987          (b) subject to Subsection (22)(a), the parent is suffering from a mental illness of such
             988      magnitude that it renders the parent incapable of utilizing reunification services;
             989          (c) the minor was previously adjudicated as an abused child due to physical abuse,
             990      sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation, and following the adjudication the minor:
             991          (i) was removed from the custody of the minor's parent;
             992          (ii) was subsequently returned to the custody of the parent; and
             993          (iii) is being removed due to additional physical abuse, sexual abuse, or sexual
             994      exploitation;
             995          (d) the parent:
             996          (i) caused the death of another minor through abuse or neglect; [or]
             997          (ii) committed, aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit:
             998          (A) murder or manslaughter of a child; or
             999          (B) child abuse homicide;
             1000          (iii) committed sexual abuse against the child; or
             1001          (iv) is a registered sex offender or required to register as a sex offender;
             1002          (e) the minor suffered severe abuse by the parent or by any person known by the
             1003      parent, if the parent knew or reasonably should have known that the person was abusing the
             1004      minor;
             1005          (f) the minor is adjudicated an abused child as a result of severe abuse by the parent,
             1006      and the court finds that it would not benefit the minor to pursue reunification services with the
             1007      offending parent;
             1008          (g) the parent's rights are terminated with regard to any other minor;
             1009          (h) the minor is removed from the minor's home on at least two previous occasions and
             1010      reunification services were offered or provided to the family at those times;
             1011          (i) the parent has abandoned the minor for a period of six months or longer;
             1012          (j) the parent permitted the child to reside, on a permanent or temporary basis, at a
             1013      location where the parent knew or should have known that a clandestine laboratory operation
             1014      was located;
             1015          (k) except as provided in Subsection (22)(b), with respect to a parent who is the child's
             1016      birth mother, the child has fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or was
             1017      exposed to an illegal or prescription drug that was abused by the child's mother while the child

             1018      was in utero, if the child was taken into division custody for that reason, unless the mother
             1019      agrees to enroll in, is currently enrolled in, or has recently and successfully completed a
             1020      substance abuse treatment program approved by the department; or
             1021          (l) any other circumstance that the court determines should preclude reunification
             1022      efforts or services.
             1023          (22) (a) The finding under Subsection (21)(b) shall be based on competent evidence
             1024      from at least two medical or mental health professionals, who are not associates, establishing
             1025      that, even with the provision of services, the parent is not likely to be capable of adequately
             1026      caring for the minor within 12 months after the day on which the court finding is made.
             1027          (b) A judge may disregard the provisions of Subsection (21)(k) if the court finds, under
             1028      the circumstances of the case, that the substance abuse treatment described in Subsection
             1029      (21)(k) is not warranted.
             1030          (23) In determining whether reunification services are appropriate, the court shall take
             1031      into consideration:
             1032          (a) failure of the parent to respond to previous services or comply with a previous child
             1033      and family plan;
             1034          (b) the fact that the minor was abused while the parent was under the influence of
             1035      drugs or alcohol;
             1036          (c) any history of violent behavior directed at the child or an immediate family
             1037      member;
             1038          (d) whether a parent continues to live with an individual who abused the minor;
             1039          (e) any patterns of the parent's behavior that have exposed the minor to repeated abuse;
             1040          (f) testimony by a competent professional that the parent's behavior is unlikely to be
             1041      successful; and
             1042          (g) whether the parent has expressed an interest in reunification with the minor.
             1043          (24) (a) If reunification services are not ordered pursuant to Subsections (20) through
             1044      (22), and the whereabouts of a parent become known within six months after the day on which
             1045      the out-of-home placement of the minor is made, the court may order the division to provide
             1046      reunification services.
             1047          (b) The time limits described in Subsections (2) through (19) are not tolled by the
             1048      parent's absence.

             1049          (25) (a) If a parent is incarcerated or institutionalized, the court shall order reasonable
             1050      services unless it determines that those services would be detrimental to the minor.
             1051          (b) In making the determination described in Subsection (25)(a), the court shall
             1052      consider:
             1053          (i) the age of the minor;
             1054          (ii) the degree of parent-child bonding;
             1055          (iii) the length of the sentence;
             1056          (iv) the nature of the treatment;
             1057          (v) the nature of the crime or illness;
             1058          (vi) the degree of detriment to the minor if services are not offered;
             1059          (vii) for a minor 10 years of age or older, the minor's attitude toward the
             1060      implementation of family reunification services; and
             1061          (viii) any other appropriate factors.
             1062          (c) Reunification services for an incarcerated parent are subject to the time limitations
             1063      imposed in Subsections (2) through (19).
             1064          (d) Reunification services for an institutionalized parent are subject to the time
             1065      limitations imposed in Subsections (2) through (19), unless the court determines that continued
             1066      reunification services would be in the minor's best interest.
             1067          (26) If, pursuant to Subsections (21)(b) through (l), the court does not order
             1068      reunification services, a permanency hearing shall be conducted within 30 days, in accordance
             1069      with Section 78A-6-314 .
             1070          Section 12. Section 78A-6-511 is amended to read:
             1071           78A-6-511. Court disposition of child upon termination.
             1072          (1) As used in this section, "relative" means:
             1073          (a) an adult who is a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, great aunt, uncle, great
             1074      uncle, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepparent, first cousin, sibling, or stepsibling of a child;
             1075      and
             1076          (b) in the case of a child defined as an "Indian" under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25
             1077      U.S.C. Sec. 1903, "relative" also means an "extended family member" as defined by that
             1078      statute.
             1079          [(1)] (2) Upon entry of an order under this part the court may:

             1080          (a) place the child in the legal custody and guardianship of a licensed child placement
             1081      agency or the division for adoption; or
             1082          (b) make any other disposition of the child authorized under Section 78A-6-117 .
             1083          [(2) All] (3) Subject to the requirements of Subsections (4) and (5), all adoptable
             1084      children placed in the custody of the division shall be placed for adoption.
             1085          (4) If the parental rights of all parents of an adoptable child placed in the custody of the
             1086      division have been terminated and a suitable adoptive placement is not already available, the
             1087      court:
             1088          (a) shall determine whether there is a relative who desires to adopt the child;
             1089          (b) may order the division to conduct a reasonable search to determine whether there
             1090      are relatives who are willing to adopt the child; and
             1091          (c) shall, if a relative desires to adopt the child:
             1092          (i) make a specific finding regarding the fitness of the relative to adopt the child; and
             1093          (ii) place the child for adoption with that relative unless it finds that adoption by the
             1094      relative is not in the best interest of the child.
             1095          (5) This section does not guarantee that a relative will be permitted to adopt the child.
             1096          Section 13. Section 78A-6-902 is amended to read:
             1097           78A-6-902. Appointment of attorney guardian ad litem -- Duties and
             1098      responsibilities -- Training -- Trained staff and court-appointed special advocate
             1099      volunteers -- Costs -- Immunity -- Annual report.
             1100          (1) (a) The court:
             1101          (i) may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best interest of a minor
             1102      involved in any case before the court; and
             1103          (ii) shall consider the best interest of a minor, consistent with the provisions of Section
             1104      62A-4a-201 , in determining whether to appoint a guardian ad litem.
             1105          (b) In all cases where an attorney guardian ad litem is appointed, the court shall make a
             1106      finding that establishes the necessity of the appointment.
             1107          (2) An attorney guardian ad litem shall represent the best interest of each child who
             1108      may become the subject of a petition alleging abuse, neglect, or dependency, from the earlier of
             1109      the day that:
             1110          (a) the child is removed from the child's home by the division; or

             1111          (b) the petition is filed.
             1112          (3) The director shall ensure that each attorney guardian ad litem employed by the
             1113      office:
             1114          (a) represents the best interest of each client of the office in all venues, including:
             1115          (i) court proceedings; and
             1116          (ii) meetings to develop, review, or modify the child and family plan with the Division
             1117      of Child and Family Services in accordance with Section 62A-4a-205 ;
             1118          (b) prior to representing any minor before the court, be trained in:
             1119          (i) applicable statutory, regulatory, and case law; and
             1120          (ii) nationally recognized standards for an attorney guardian ad litem;
             1121          (c) conducts or supervises an ongoing, independent investigation in order to obtain,
             1122      first-hand, a clear understanding of the situation and needs of the minor;
             1123          (d) (i) personally meets with the minor, unless:
             1124          (A) the minor is outside of the state; or
             1125          (B) meeting with the minor would be detrimental to the minor;
             1126          (ii) personally interviews the minor, unless:
             1127          (A) the minor is not old enough to communicate;
             1128          (B) the minor lacks the capacity to participate in a meaningful interview; or
             1129          (C) the interview would be detrimental to the minor; and
             1130          (iii) if the minor is placed in an out-of-home placement, or is being considered for
             1131      placement in an out-of-home placement, unless it would be detrimental to the minor:
             1132          (A) to the extent possible, determines the minor's goals and concerns regarding
             1133      placement; and
             1134          (B) personally assesses or supervises an assessment of the appropriateness and safety
             1135      of the minor's environment in each placement;
             1136          (e) personally attends all review hearings pertaining to the minor's case;
             1137          (f) participates in all appeals, unless excused by order of the court;
             1138          (g) is familiar with local experts who can provide consultation and testimony regarding
             1139      the reasonableness and appropriateness of efforts made by the Division of Child and Family
             1140      Services to:
             1141          (i) maintain a minor in the minor's home; or

             1142          (ii) reunify a child with the child's parent;
             1143          (h) to the extent possible, and unless it would be detrimental to the minor, personally
             1144      or through a trained volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, keeps the minor advised of:
             1145          (i) the status of the minor's case;
             1146          (ii) all court and administrative proceedings;
             1147          (iii) discussions with, and proposals made by, other parties;
             1148          (iv) court action; and
             1149          (v) the psychiatric, medical, or other treatment or diagnostic services that are to be
             1150      provided to the minor; and
             1151          (i) in cases where a child and family plan is required, personally or through a trained
             1152      volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, monitors implementation of a minor's child and
             1153      family plan and any dispositional orders to:
             1154          (i) determine whether services ordered by the court:
             1155          (A) are actually provided; and
             1156          (B) are provided in a timely manner; and
             1157          (ii) attempt to assess whether services ordered by the court are accomplishing the
             1158      intended goal of the services.
             1159          (4) (a) Consistent with this Subsection (4), an attorney guardian ad litem may use
             1160      trained volunteers, in accordance with Title 67, Chapter 20, Volunteer Government Workers
             1161      Act, trained paralegals, and other trained staff to assist in investigation and preparation of
             1162      information regarding the cases of individual minors before the court.
             1163          (b) All volunteers, paralegals, and staff utilized pursuant to this section shall be trained
             1164      in and follow, at a minimum, the guidelines established by the United States Department of
             1165      Justice Court Appointed Special Advocate Association.
             1166          (5) The attorney guardian ad litem shall continue to represent the best interest of the
             1167      minor until released from that duty by the court.
             1168          (6) (a) Consistent with Subsection (6)(b), the juvenile court is responsible for:
             1169          (i) all costs resulting from the appointment of an attorney guardian ad litem; and
             1170          (ii) the costs of volunteer, paralegal, and other staff appointment and training.
             1171          (b) The court shall use funds appropriated by the Legislature for the guardian ad litem
             1172      program to cover the costs described in Subsection (6)(a).

             1173          (c) (i) When the court appoints an attorney guardian ad litem under this section, the
             1174      court may assess all or part of the attorney fees, court costs, and paralegal, staff, and volunteer
             1175      expenses against the child's parents, parent, or legal guardian in a proportion that the court
             1176      determines to be just and appropriate[.], taking into consideration costs already borne by the
             1177      parents, parent, or legal guardian, including:
             1178          (A) private attorney fees;
             1179          (B) counseling for the child;
             1180          (C) counseling for the parent, if mandated by the court or recommended by the
             1181      Division of Child and Family Services; and
             1182          (D) any other cost the court determines to be relevant.
             1183          (ii) The court may not assess those fees or costs against:
             1184          (A) a legal guardian, when that guardian is the state; or
             1185          (B) consistent with Subsection (6)(d), a parent who is found to be impecunious.
             1186          (d) For purposes of Subsection (6)(c)(ii)(B), if a person claims to be impecunious, the
             1187      court shall:
             1188          (i) require that person to submit an affidavit of impecuniosity as provided in Section
             1189      78A-2-302 ; and
             1190          (ii) follow the procedures and make the determinations as provided in Section
             1191      78A-2-304 .
             1192          (e) The child's parents, parent, or legal guardian may appeal the court's determination,
             1193      under Subsection (6)(c), of fees, costs, and expenses.
             1194          (7) An attorney guardian ad litem appointed under this section, when serving in the
             1195      scope of the attorney guardian ad litem's duties as guardian ad litem is considered an employee
             1196      of the state for purposes of indemnification under Title 63G, Chapter 7, Governmental
             1197      Immunity Act of Utah.
             1198          (8) (a) An attorney guardian ad litem shall represent the best interest of a minor.
             1199          (b) If the minor's wishes differ from the attorney's determination of the minor's best
             1200      interest, the attorney guardian ad litem shall communicate the minor's wishes to the court in
             1201      addition to presenting the attorney's determination of the minor's best interest.
             1202          (c) A difference between the minor's wishes and the attorney's determination of best
             1203      interest may not be considered a conflict of interest for the attorney.

             1204          (d) the guardian ad litem shall disclose the wishes of the child unless the child:
             1205          (i) instructs the guardian ad litem to not disclose the child's wishes; or
             1206          (ii) has not expressed any wishes.
             1207          [(d)] (e) The court may appoint one attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best
             1208      interests of more than one child of a marriage.
             1209          (9) An attorney guardian ad litem shall be provided access to all Division of Child and
             1210      Family Services records regarding the minor at issue and the minor's family.
             1211          (10) (a) An attorney guardian ad litem shall conduct an independent investigation
             1212      regarding the minor at issue, the minor's family, and what constitutes the best interest of the
             1213      minor.
             1214          (b) An attorney guardian ad litem may interview the minor's Division of Child and
             1215      Family Services caseworker, but may not:
             1216          (i) rely exclusively on the conclusions and findings of the Division of Child and Family
             1217      Services; or
             1218          (ii) except as provided in Subsection (10)(c), conduct a visit with the client in
             1219      conjunction with the visit of a Division of Child and Family Services caseworker.
             1220          (c) A guardian ad litem may meet with a client during a team meeting, court hearing, or
             1221      similar venue when a Division of Child and Family Services caseworker is present for a
             1222      purpose other than the guardian ad litem's visit with the client.
             1223          [(10)] (11) (a) An attorney guardian ad litem shall maintain current and accurate
             1224      records regarding:
             1225          [(a)] (i) the number of times the attorney has had contact with each minor; and
             1226          [(b)] (ii) the actions the attorney has taken in representation of the minor's best interest.
             1227          (b) In every hearing where the guardian ad litem makes a recommendation regarding
             1228      the best interest of the child, the court shall require the guardian ad litem to disclose the factors
             1229      that form the basis of the recommendation.
             1230          [(11)] (12) (a) Except as provided in [Subsection (11)(b)] Subsection (12)(b), all
             1231      records of an attorney guardian ad litem are confidential and may not be released or made
             1232      public upon subpoena, search warrant, discovery proceedings, or otherwise. This subsection
             1233      supersedes Title 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act.
             1234          (b) Consistent with Subsection [(11)] (12)(d), all records of an attorney guardian ad

             1235      litem:
             1236          (i) are subject to legislative subpoena, under Title 36, Chapter 14, Legislative
             1237      Subpoena Powers; and
             1238          (ii) shall be released to the Legislature.
             1239          (c) (i) Except as provided in Subsection [(11)] (12)(c)(ii), records released in
             1240      accordance with Subsection [(11)] (12)(b) shall be maintained as confidential by the
             1241      Legislature.
             1242          (ii) Notwithstanding Subsection [(11)] (12)(c)(i), the Office of the Legislative Auditor
             1243      General may include summary data and nonidentifying information in its audits and reports to
             1244      the Legislature.
             1245          (d) (i) Subsection [(11)] (12)(b) constitutes an exception to Rules of Professional
             1246      Conduct, Rule 1.6, as provided by Rule 1.6(b)(4), because of:
             1247          (A) the unique role of an attorney guardian ad litem described in Subsection (8); and
             1248          (B) the state's role and responsibility:
             1249          (I) to provide a guardian ad litem program; and
             1250          (II) as parens patriae, to protect minors.
             1251          (ii) A claim of attorney-client privilege does not bar access to the records of an attorney
             1252      guardian ad litem by the Legislature, through legislative subpoena.
             1253          Section 14. Section 78B-6-131 is amended to read:
             1254           78B-6-131. Child in custody of state -- Placement.
             1255          (1) Notwithstanding Sections 78B-6-128 through 78B-6-130 , and except as provided in
             1256      Subsection (2), a child who is in the legal custody of the state may not be placed with a
             1257      prospective foster parent or a prospective adoptive parent, unless, before the child is placed
             1258      with the prospective foster parent or the prospective adoptive parent:
             1259          (a) a fingerprint based FBI national criminal history records check is conducted on the
             1260      prospective foster parent [or], prospective adoptive parent, and any other adult residing in the
             1261      household;
             1262          (b) the Department of Human Services conducts a check of the child abuse and neglect
             1263      registry in each state where the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent resided
             1264      in the five years immediately preceding the day on which the prospective foster parent or
             1265      prospective adoptive parent applied to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, to determine

             1266      whether the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive parent is listed in the registry as
             1267      having a substantiated or supported finding of child abuse or neglect;
             1268          (c) the Department of Human Services conducts a check of the child abuse and neglect
             1269      registry of each state where each adult living in the home of the prospective foster parent or
             1270      prospective adoptive parent described in Subsection (1)(b) resided in the five years
             1271      immediately preceding the day on which the prospective foster parent or prospective adoptive
             1272      parent applied to be a foster parent or adoptive parent, to determine whether the adult is listed
             1273      in the registry as having a substantiated or supported finding of child abuse or neglect; and
             1274          (d) each person required to undergo a background check described in this section
             1275      passes the background check, pursuant to the provisions of Section 62A-2-120 .
             1276          (2) The requirements under Subsection (1) do not apply to the extent that:
             1277          (a) federal law or rule permits otherwise; or
             1278          (b) the requirements would prohibit the division or a court from placing a child with:
             1279          (i) a noncustodial parent, under Section 62A-4a-209 , 78A-6-307 , or 78A-6-307.5 ; or
             1280          (ii) a relative, under Section 62A-4a-209 , 78A-6-307 , or 78A-6-307.5 , pending
             1281      completion of the background check described in Subsection (1).

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