Responding to Child Victims of Human Trafficking - Utah

State Agency Responsibilities

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 62A-4a-105; 62A-4a-206.5

The Division of Child and Family Services shall provide services for minors who are victims of human trafficking or human smuggling or who have engaged in prostitution or sexual solicitation.

When the division receives information that a child in the custody of the division is missing, has been abducted, or has run away, the division shall do the following:

• Within 24 hours after the division has reason to believe that the information is accurate, notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Pursue a warrant under § 78A-6-106(6)

When the division locates a child who has been absent from care, the division shall do the following:

• Determine the primary factors that caused or contributed to the child's absence from care
• Determine the child's experiences while absent from care, including screening the child to determine if the child is a sex trafficking victim
• 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 above
• Follow the requirements in § 78A-6-307.5 for determining an ongoing placement of the child

Training Requirement

Citation: Ann. Code § 62A-4a-105

The division shall provide training for staff and providers involved in the administration and delivery of services offered by the division in accordance with this chapter.

Diversion From Prosecution

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 76-10-1302; 62A-7-101

Upon encountering a child engaged in prostitution or sexual solicitation, a law enforcement officer shall do the following:

• Conduct an investigation
• Refer the child to the division
• If an arrest is made, bring the child to a receiving center, if available
• Contact the child's parent or guardian, if practicable

When law enforcement has referred the child to the division, the following provisions apply:

• The division shall provide services to the child under title 62a, chapter 4a, Child and Family Services.
• The child may not be subjected to delinquency proceedings under title 62a, chapter 7, Juvenile Justice Services, and §§ 78A-6-601 through 78A-6-704.

A 'receiving center' is a nonsecure, nonresidential program established by the division or under contract with the division that is responsible for juveniles taken into custody by a law enforcement officer for status offenses, infractions, or delinquent acts.

Services and Supports for Victims

This issue is not addressed in the statutes and regulations reviewed.

Support for Anti-Trafficking Efforts

This issue is not addressed in the statutes and regulations reviewed.