Utah’s child welfare system is facing mounting pressure for reforms from both lawmakers and advocates who believe children’s safety should be prioritized over parental rights. Kevin Franke, the husband of a woman convicted of child abuse, is calling for immediate legal changes, highlighting concerns that the current laws protect parents at the expense of children. Licensed therapist Kristen Floyd, with 15 years of experience, has witnessed systemic failures in the system that put children at risk of harm. Despite claims of improvements by the DCFS Director, Floyd remains skeptical, citing a lack of progress in addressing issues.
Senator Luz Escamilla, a member of the Child Welfare Oversight Panel, acknowledges the urgent need for change and discussed key legislative priorities such as implementing a more effective “red flag” system and creating quick legal mechanisms to intervene in high-risk cases. The case of Ruby Franke, convicted of severe child abuse, has brought attention to these systemic failures, with intervention only occurring after a child escaped and sought help. Floyd emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the high rates of domestic abuse affecting Utah’s children. Advocates and lawmakers are advocating for changes to protect children from harm within the state’s child welfare system.
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