Kevin Franke calls Utah’s child welfare system ‘broken,’ wants independent investigation

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) —

The father of children in a Utah child welfare case, which drew attention around the world, said Thursday the state system to take care of vulnerable kids “lacks transparency,” is “broken,” and urged lawmakers to launch an “independent” investigation.

“So much of the current policy and procedure is hidden,” Kevin Franke, whose children were abused by his estranged wife and her therapist friend, told 2News.

“Many of us had questions about how this process worked, what failed, and what went wrong, but when all of those things are discussed behind closed doors,” he said, “how can anyone know what needs to be changed?”

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Franke testified at a legislative child welfare hearing on Thursday which delved into “fatality reports” from the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.

The session followed the Franke case and the tragic death of young Gavin Peterson, a boy who died after people repeatedly expressed concerns over his treatment in his own home.

Franke also referenced an exclusive 2News story by Arielle Harrison with a former DCFS caseworker who alleged a lack of child oversight because of burgeoning caseloads.

While Franke said he has “genuine respect” for caseworkers, he seemed troubled by DCFS culture.

“It’s telling to me that a former caseworker came forward to the media and called the system broken, but wants to remain anonymous,” Franke said. “Why? Why? Well obviously, that individual fears retribution. That’s not right.”

At the hearing, administrators testified and took questions, but Franke thinks lawmakers need to hear more voices.

“I would encourage the legislators to speak to people who are boots on the ground on this,” he said, “not the director, not the administrators, speak with the case workers.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the lack of transparency and brokenness in the child welfare system in Utah. This issue is connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 16.6, which focuses on developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels, and Target 16.7, which aims to ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 16.6.1: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services
• Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) held by persons from underrepresented groups

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 16.6.1: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services. This indicator can measure the transparency and effectiveness of the child welfare system in Utah.
– Indicator 16.7.1: Proportions of positions in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and judiciary) held by persons from underrepresented groups. This indicator can measure the inclusivity and representation in decision-making processes within the child welfare system.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kutv.com