Utah § 80-2-703 - Conflict child protective services investigations -- Authority of investigators.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 80-2-703 — Conflict child protective services investigations -- Authority of investigators., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 80-2-703. Conflict child protective services investigations -- Authority of investigators.

Effective 5/1/2024
80-2-703.  Conflict child protective services investigations -- Authority of investigators.
(1)
(a)The department, through the Division of Continuous Quality and Improvement, shall conduct an independent child protective service investigation to investigate reports of abuse or neglect if:
(i)the report occurs while the child is in the custody of the division; or
(ii)the executive director of the department determines that, if the division conducts the investigation, the division would have an actual or potential conflict of interest in the results of the investigation.
(b)If a report is made while a child is in the custody of the division that indicates the child is abused or neglected:
(i)the attorney general may, in accordance with Section 67-5-16, and with the consent of the department, employ a child protective services investigator to conduct a conflict investigation of the report; or
(ii)a law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 53-13-103, may, with the consent of the department, conduct a conflict investigation of the report.
(c)Subsection (1)(b)(ii) does not prevent a law enforcement officer from, without the consent of the department, conducting a criminal investigation of abuse or neglect under Title 53, Public Safety Code.
(2)An investigator described in Subsection (1) may also investigate allegations of abuse or neglect of a child by a department employee or a licensed substitute care provider.
(3)An investigator described in Subsection (1), if not a law enforcement officer, shall have the same rights, duties, and authority of a child welfare caseworker to:
(a)make a thorough investigation under Section 80-2-701 upon receiving a report of alleged abuse or neglect of a child, with the primary purpose of the investigation being the protection of the child;
(b)make an inquiry into the child's home environment, emotional, or mental health, the nature and extent of the child's injuries, and the child's physical safety;
(c)make a written report of the investigator's investigation, including determination regarding whether the alleged abuse or neglect is supported, unsupported, or without merit, and forward a copy of the report to the division within the time mandates for investigations established by the division; and
(d)immediately consult with school authorities to verify the child's status in accordance with Sections 53G-6-201 through 53G-6-206 if a report is based on or includes an allegation of educational neglect.


Amended by Chapter 240, 2024 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Utah Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 80-2-703

What does Utah Code § 80-2-703 cover?

Section 80-2-703 ("Conflict child protective services investigations -- Authority of investigators.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 80-2-703?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 80-2-703" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 80-2-703 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.