Child protection ombuds services
Before you start: You must contact us within 18 months of the incident.
The child protection ombuds can help
We know the child welfare system can feel overwhelming. Our Office of Ombuds is a safe, independent starting point for families who feel unheard or confused. We don’t just look at files; we bring people together to clear up miscommunications and find fair solutions early. Reaching out to us is risk-free, and you remain in control of what happens next. The child protection ombuds is an independent team. We do not take sides. We investigate and resolve concerns from the public about Child and Family Services (DCFS).
What we can do
- Listen to your concerns.
- Answer your questions about the child welfare system.
- Review and investigate cases to make sure they follow the law and guidelines.
- Find the best way to resolve your concern. We may explain policies, work directly with the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), or open an investigation.
- Identify trends and recommend changes to improve the system for children and families.
What we can't do
- Investigate individuals and actions outside of DCFS, including court rulings, judges, legal staff, law enforcement agencies, or service providers.
- Investigate personnel issues; we will defer them to DCFS administration.
- Give legal advice.
- Share confidential and protected information about a case or child.
Contact options
Before you start:
You must contact us within 18 months of the incident.
What happens next:
We will contact you within 3 business days. Your information is confidential.
You can contact us online, by phone, or letter:
Call
801-538-4589 (TTY: Utah Relay 7-1-1)
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If you have a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8.
Mail
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Ombuds
195 N 1950 W 1st floor
Salt Lake City, UT 8411
How a child protection ombuds helps you
Our steps
Intake
Once you contact us, our team reviews your information to see how we can best help or if another agency is a better fit.
Review
If we take on your case, we look for the best way to move forward. This might include talking to Child Protective Services (DCFS) to fix a problem directly or doing a deeper dive into the records to make sure all rules and policies were followed.
Finding a solution
We work to get your concerns resolved. If we can’t take further action, we will explain why and suggest other options.
Staying in the loop
We will keep you updated every step of the way so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
Understand your rights in the Utah child welfare system
In Utah, we want to keep children safe and help families stay together. We work to protect two important rights: your right to raise your children and your child's right to be safe. This guide helps you understand how the child welfare system works and what to expect if you are working with the Division of Child and Family Services(DCFS).
The state of Utah recognizes two very important things:
The delicate balance
Parent's rights
Utah parents have the right, responsibility, and authority to raise, care for, and discipline their children.
Children’s rights
Every child has a fundamental right to be protected from abuse and neglect.
What type of child protection case are you involved in?
- Child Protective Services: When a report is made and DCFS checks your child’s safety
- In-Home Services: Working with DCFS at home.
- Foster Care Services: When children are placed in state custody and you work toward reunification.
Child Protective Services (CPS)
Child Protective Services (CPS) investigates reports of child abuse, neglect, or dependency. If a report meets the state's criteria, a caseworker will open an investigation to make sure your children are safe.
The Investigation process
During an investigation, a caseworker will usually:
- Review your family's past history with DCFS.
- Interview you, your child, caregivers, and the person accused of abuse or neglect.
- Interview other people who know your family.
- Visit your home (these visits are sometimes unannounced).
- Complete safety checks, such as a suicide screener for kids 10 and older, or a safe sleep check for babies under 12 months.
Understand Investigation Results
At the end of an investigation, CPS will make a finding. Common findings include:
Without merit: There is clear evidence the accused person did not do it.
False teport: There is clear evidence the referent submitted a false report. This finding can result in criminal charges.
Ask for an interpreter
It is vital that you fully understand what is happening. If you are not comfortable speaking English, you have the right to an official interpreter. Interpreters available by phone. Please do not let your children interpret for you.
How to appeal a decision
If you get a letter saying your case was "Supported," you have the right to challenge it. You only have 30 days from the time you receive the Notice of Agency Action (NAA) letter to submit an application or file a petition to appeal.
Frequently asked questions during CPS cases
Can I know you called in the CPS investigation? No. You do not have the right to know who called in the investigation.
Do I have to let CPS into my home or speak to them? You have the right to refuse to speak with CPS or let them in without a court order. However, if you refuse, CPS will not close your case. They will continue gathering information and may get a court order to check on your children.
Do I have to let CPS interview my children? Usually, CPS must notify you before interviewing your child. But they do not have to tell you first if you, your partner, or a stepparent is the accused person. Refusing an interview does not close your case; CPS will keep investigating and may get a court order.
What is a Safety Plan? If CPS finds safety concerns, they may ask you to sign a safety plan. This is a voluntary written agreement between caregivers and CPS. It explains:
- What safety concerns exist.
- How these concerns will be managed.
- Who will be involved in the plan.
- A signed safety plan helps families keep children safe. It works best when the family cooperates in creating the plan and can follow through with the actions in the plan.
What if CPS wants to remove my children? CPS can only remove children without your consent in three ways:
- Exigent (Emergency) Removal: If the child is in immediate danger and a warrant is not required.
- Warrant Removal: A judge signs a warrant because there is a threat of substantial harm
- Court-Ordered Removal: A judge orders the removal at a hearing.
i If your children are removed, you should have a court hearing within 3 business days.
Can I have my DCFS case sealed? Yes. If you are identified as a perpetrator, you can ask to expunge (seal) an allegation if you meet certain criteria by submitting a "Request for Allegation Sealing" form