Once child abuse has been reported to the proper officials, DCFS is required by law to “make face-to-face contact with the child and determine if abuse, neglect, or dependency occurred.” (Department of Child and Family Services, n.d.).  Child Protective Services (CPS) assesses the safety and family functioning in order to best determine the immediate needs.  Recognizing that removal affects parent’s rights and impacts the children, the child is placed in protective custody only if the social worker feels that the child requires immediate protection (Department of Child and Family Services, n.d.).  They assess the family, link them to needed services and resources, and provide crisis intervention services where necessary.  Their self-stated goal is to “ensure the child's safety and overall well-being so that the family can be stabilized at the earliest possible time.” (Department of Child and Family Services, n.d.).

            As is outlined in DCFS Practice Guidelines, every referral is to be documented in as much detail as is possible.  Caseworkers then work to determine the validity, credibility, necessity, and priority of the referral information.  Priority determines the amount of time allotted to make contact with the child.  The caseworker goes on to determine safety, risks, family needs, strengths, and willingness to protect.  Interviews are used as part of the investigation, which should be properly recorded.  At the conclusion of each investigation, a finding is made which specifies whether or not the allegation was supported.  

            In conclusion, Utah takes child abuse very seriously, as is evident in its laws and intervention procedures.  Every citizen plays a critical role in child abuse intervention.  For the average person, we are required to be aware of and report child abuse when possible.  It is incumbent upon workers at various agencies to take every report seriously and to do a thorough investigation.   Only by knowing the laws and acting accordingly can we put an end to this grave issue.