80-2a-303.  Child missing from division custody — Placement after locating child.

(1)  If the division receives information that a child in the protective custody, temporary custody, or custody of the division is missing, has been abducted, or has run away, the division shall:

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Terms Used In Utah Code 80-2a-303

  • Child: means , except as provided in Section 80-2-905, an individual who is under 18 years old. See Utah Code 80-1-102
  • Protective custody: means the shelter of a child by the Division of Child and Family Services from the time the child is removed from the home until the earlier of:
(a) the day on which the shelter hearing is held under Section 80-3-301; or
(b) the day on which the child is returned home. See Utah Code 80-1-102
(a)  within 24 hours after the time when the division has reason to believe that the information that the child is missing, has been abducted, or has run away is accurate, notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; and

(b)  pursue a warrant under Subsection 80-2a-202(6).

(2)  If the division locates a child described in Subsection (1), the division shall:

(a)  determine the primary factors that caused or contributed to the child’s absence from care;

(b)  determine the child’s experiences while absent from care, including screening the child to determine if the child is a sex trafficking victim;

(c)  to the extent possible, select a placement for the child that accommodates the child’s needs and takes into consideration the factors and experiences described in Subsections (2)(a) and (b); and

(d)  follow the requirements in Section 80-3-303 for determining an ongoing placement of the child.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 334, 2022 General Session

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