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Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019) |
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R512. Human Services, Child and Family Services |
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R512-205. Child Protective Services, Investigation of Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse |
| R512-205-1. Purpose and Authority |
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Latest version.
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(1) The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria for investigation of an allegation of Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse and the basis upon which a supported finding will be made. (2) This rule is authorized by Section 62A-4a-102. |
| R512-205-2. Definitions |
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Latest version.
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(1) "Cohabitant" has the same meaning as in Section 78B-7-102. (2) "Dangerous weapon" has the same meaning as in Section 76-1-601. (3) "Child and Family Services" means the Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services. (4) "Domestic violence" has the same meaning as in Section 77-36-1. (5) "Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse" means domestic violence between cohabitants in the presence of a child. It may be an isolated incident or a pattern of conduct. (6) "In the presence of a child" has the same meaning as in Section 76-5-109.1. (7) "Serious bodily injury" has the same meaning as in Section 76-1-601. (8) "Substantial bodily injury" has the same meaning as in Section 76-1-601. |
| R512-205-3. Administrative Findings |
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Latest version.
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(1) The commission of acts of domestic violence in the presence of a child is child abuse, because it results in non-accidental harm or threatened harm to the child. Such abuse is subject to the reporting statute (Section 62A-4a-403). (2) Research establishes that exposure to domestic violence causes emotional or developmental harm or threatened harm to children, which may later be manifested in behavioral problems, increased risk of drug or alcohol abuse, increased risk of becoming perpetrators or victims of abuse, or in emotional disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. (3) Exposure to domestic violence may also threaten a child with physical harm. (4) Awaiting the manifestation of emotional or developmental harm does not protect children from such harm, and early intervention is required to mitigate and prevent further harm. (5) Accordingly, establishing the commission of an act of domestic violence in the presence of a child shall be sufficient to establish Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse, without any further evidence of harm. (6) The primary responsibility to investigate allegations of Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse as defined in Section 76-5-109.1 lies with law enforcement, and Child and Family Services has no responsibility to investigate domestic violence in the presence of a child as described in that section, except as provided in this rule (see Section 62A-4a-105(6)). |
| R512-205-4. Investigation |
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Latest version.
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(1) An allegation of Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse, that meets all other requirements for acceptance, shall be accepted by Child and Family Services for investigation if it is alleged that a child was physically present or saw or heard an incident of domestic violence and: (a) The alleged perpetrator used or threatened to use a dangerous weapon; or (b) The alleged perpetrator threatened to cause substantial or serious bodily injury; or (c) The alleged perpetrator committed a sexual assault, impeded the breathing or the circulation of blood by application of pressure to the neck, throat, or chest, or by the obstruction of the nose or mouth, which produced or was likely to produce a loss of consciousness, or other assault likely to result in substantial or serious bodily injury; or (d) The alleged victim sustained substantial or serious bodily injury; or (e) There is a pattern of two or more CPS investigations of Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse within the previous two years; or (f) Another allegation of abuse, neglect, or dependency is being accepted or is in the process of being investigated. (2) If during an open, non-CPS case, a referral is received for Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse which does not meet the criteria for acceptance under subparagraph (1) above, the information will be sent to the ongoing caseworker for assessment. |
| R512-205-5. Investigation Findings |
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Latest version.
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(1) Upon completion of an investigation of Domestic Violence Related Child Abuse, a supported finding may be based upon the definitions of this rule. |