What happens if a child needs to be removed from his or her family or home situation?

Out of the 9,986 cases in 2017 where the DCFS found abuse or neglect, a child was placed in foster care in only 14 percent of those cases.

Despite having one of the fastest-growing child populations, Utah has one of the lowest foster care rates in the nation. Reducing the need for foster care is one of the top priorities for the DCFS, and the agency tries to keep families intact whenever possible.

When a home or family situation is determined unsafe for the child, the DCFS first looks for a “kinship placement” — another family member or relative who may be able to care for the child.

In 42 percent of Utah cases last year, children who needed to be removed from their home were placed with a relative.

DCFS officials are proud of that number, which is considered better than average for kinship placement.