Lawmakers should review child welfare cases in the state

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — During a hearing Thursday, lawmakers will discuss the state’s handling of child welfare cases, with a particular focus on the results of a child death investigation in cases involving deaths or near-deaths of children.

The hearing, an annual review by a legislative committee, comes amid heightened scrutiny after several high-profile child welfare cases were identified this year.

Lawmakers are expected to raise concerns about the state’s policies and handling of individual cases.

RELATED COVERAGE:

“I saw the weaknesses and where we failed in the past,” said Sabrina Tracy, a child victims advocate.

Tracy, who has first-hand experience with the state’s child welfare system, expressed frustration at the lack of progress.

“For me at this point it’s more than just frustration – it’s anger,” she said.

She added that her main question is how the state plans to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“I’m not asking for specifics, but generally: What are we doing to prevent something like this from happening again?” she asked.

The death of 12-year-old Gavin Peterson, whose father, stepmother and biological brother have been charged with child abuse, has put the state’s child welfare practices in the national spotlight.

Rep. Christine Watkins, co-chair of the committee that monitored the hearing, acknowledged the need for accountability.

“We had close calls, then a tragic case, and then more close calls, and so there has to be some responsibility,” Watkins said.

Asked whether anyone should be held responsible for these cases, Watkins replied: “I think that’s something we’ll be thinking about (during the hearing).”

While Watkins has particular concerns about recent cases, she declined to detail which policy areas she would like to address. However, she hinted that a bill she is working on could change the way DCFS handles welfare cases.

“I have some real questions about the cases we’ve had recently,” she said, adding that the committee plans to ask tough questions during the hearing.

The hearing will include a public portion, but part of it will take place behind closed doors.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and the public is welcome.

___