Bill > SB0141

This bill makes several amendments to Utah's child welfare laws, primarily focusing on the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and processes related to child protection and placement. Key changes include expanding the types of individuals and entities that can access child abuse and neglect reports, such as investigators from the Division of Professional Licensing, and clarifying the conditions under which such reports can be admitted as evidence in court. The bill also redefines "relative" to include a broader range of family connections, such as first, second, and third cousins, and expands the definition of "friend" for placement purposes. Furthermore, it modifies the procedural due process requirements for removing a child from a foster home, requiring the DCFS to provide more notice and opportunities for foster parents to be heard, especially for those who have cared for a child for 12 months or longer, and it clarifies the process for determining temporary custody and placement preferences for children removed from their homes, emphasizing the importance of considering relatives and friends while ensuring the child's safety and well-being. Finally, the bill adjusts provisions related to post-adoption contact agreements, allowing for more flexibility in their terms and enforcement.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0141.html