Former DCFS worker calls Utah’s child welfare system ‘broken,’ urges reform

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Former DCFS Worker Highlights Systemic Issues Hindering Child Protection in Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah – A former Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) worker has come forward to address systemic issues that she believes are impeding Utah’s ability to protect children. Her concerns arise amidst growing public outcry following recent cases of child abuse, including the tragic death of 12-year-old Gavin Peterson, who allegedly died of starvation at his West Haven home.

Overwhelming Caseloads and a Culture of “Checking Boxes”

In an exclusive interview with 2News, the former caseworker, who has chosen to remain anonymous and will be referred to as “Sarah” in this article, revealed that she left the agency due to the challenges posed by overwhelming caseloads and a culture that prioritized “checking boxes” over thorough work. Although Sarah left DCFS on good terms, receiving an outstanding letter of recommendation, she ultimately felt that the system was failing both Utah families and caseworkers.

“I felt like it got to a point where I was not able to do thorough work,” Sarah explained. “The caseloads were way too high, and the turnover was also high.”

Culture of “Safe Enough”

One of the main issues highlighted by Sarah is the internal mindset of labeling cases as “safe enough.” While high-priority cases that require immediate attention are typically addressed, she argued that other cases showing warning signs are often dismissed prematurely.

“There are cases where we could probably prevent something bad from happening. You see that there is a concern, but they’re labeled as ‘safe enough,'” Sarah stated.

She attributed this approach to a “box-checking” culture within DCFS, where cases are closed based on a checklist rather than a thorough investigation.

DCFS Response

DCFS Director Tonya Myrup acknowledged these concerns during an interview and emphasized the agency’s commitment to improvement.

“I think it’s important for me to understand what our practice is, what we train to, and then what’s actually happening in the field,” Myrup said.

Myrup also addressed the agency’s intake process, revealing that out of over 48,000 reports received in their annual report, fewer than half met the criteria for opening an investigation.

Need for Cultural Shift

Sarah believes that fixing the deeper issues will require more than just procedural changes.

“We need a whole shift in the culture within DCFS,” she emphasized.

Myrup expressed hope that employees will come forward with their concerns and suggestions.

“I’m heartbroken to hear that,” Myrup said. “I’m hopeful that people who have concerns or suggestions will share them so we can continue to make those improvements.”

What’s Next?

Part 2 of this story will air on Tuesday night, where the whistleblower will share her thoughts on how these issues can be addressed and the necessary steps for meaningful reform. Myrup will also outline the current improvements being made by the agency.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
   • Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Indicator 2.1.2: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
   • Indicator 3.2.1: Under-five mortality rate.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
   • Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.

5. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group.

6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.

Source: kutv.com