"End in Sight" to State Welfare Lawsuit

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) After more than a decade of court proceedings and inspections, Utah's child welfare system could be soon be free of the so-called "David C." lawsuit. It was filed by a California-based civil rights group that claimed children in Utah's foster care system were not safe.

Department of Human Services Director Lisa Michele Church told state lawmakers today that U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell is encouraging the state and the plaintiffs in the case to find a quick exit from the suit.

Church says Utah's child welfare system has made significant improvements for the last six years, as recognized by the court. She says the challenge now will be to keep up the quality of child welfare without court supervision, and she says lawmakers bear a significant burden to adequately fund the programs.

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