Gavin Peterson's death put DCFS under a microscope. How did the legislators react?

Salt Lake City-Utahn demanded changes after the 12-year-old Gavin Peterson had starved last year and criticized how the state's children's aid system treated complaints about his security in the years before he retreated from school.

The legislators of Utah responded with an examination of the department for child and family services, and the review is still pending. However, they rejected a proposal that made it easier for DCFS to receive arrest warrants if parents do not examine the door for case workers who examine allegations for abuse and neglect.

Now the legislators said behind this proposal that she could bring her back, but she hesitates after it failed in February. Critics said there could be DCFS too much authority.

“That's why I'm just not sure,” said Rep. Christine Watkins, R-Price. “Would I like to go out there and try again and just knock me down?”

A judge in Ogden broke out in tears this week before convicting the boy's father for severe child abuse. Gavin's stepmother and an older brother have also guilty for their role in the boy's death.

The DCFS director Tonya Myrup said she still had discussions with the legislators about improving the system. She said DCFS analyzed his own data and check the guidelines of other countries.

After Gavin's death and another top -class abuse, in which Youtuber Ruby Franke was involved, KSL Myrup asked if she was worried about losing public trust.

“It is helpful for the public to understand that these cases in the media are really extreme – they are the most extreme cases we see,” said Myrup. “Fortunately, they are the outliers, and we have to be able to react to the fact that these children are protected. But the vast majority of parents want to do a good job.”

Not every report contains enough information to open a case, as it noticed, but when several people call his hotline (1-855-323 DCFS) who can help employees what happens. Myrup insisted that this can do something.

“We only encourage if you suspect abuse or neglect or have concerns, please call the hotline,” myrup continued. “Because it helps us to put all these pieces together and help children and families.”

For parents who are looking for help, support centers and a visit program for home in the whole state can help offer children a safe environment.

Contribute: Daniella Rivera

Resources for child abuse:

• Utah domestic violence coalition operates a confidential nationwide, 24-hour hotline for domestic abuse at 1-800-897-link (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The nationwide hotline of child abuse and neglect is 1-855-323 DCFS (3237).

Help with children

Those who feel stressed with a child who need a break or who have the feeling of needing advice or training can contact one of the following agencies:

• The family support center Has 15 locations in the whole state and offers parents a free crisis kindergarten for parents who have to carry out appointments or are stressed. They also offer advice and family mentoring. Call 801-955-9110 or visit Familysupportcenter.org/contact.php More information.
• Prevent child abuse Utah Offers a visit to the counties Weber, Davis and Box Elder. Parent educators offer support for families with small children support, education and activities. Your nationwide education team offers various training courses on protection factors, digital security, bullying and sex trade for children. They are available for personal or virtual training and offer free online courses for the community at pcautah.org.
• The office of home visit Working with local authorities to offer pregnant women and young families home visits who want to learn more about being parents. Home visitors are trained and can provide information about breastfeeding, development milestones, toilet training, nutrition, mental health, security at home, child development and much more. Find out more homevisiting.utah.gov.
• The Safe Haven law The birth enables parents in Utah to provide custody for their newborn child in a hospital in the state safely and anonymously, without legal consequences and without any questions. The child's mother can hand in the child, or the mother can ask someone else to do it for her. The newborns should be discontinued in hospitals that are open 24 hours a day. In this way, newborns abandoned are looked after by the hospital staff, and the department for children's and family services in Utah finds a home for the child. You can find more information under Viewing Utahsafehaven.org Or call the 24-hour hotline under 866-458-0058.