During the opening of the 2026 legislative session, Utah lawmakers expressed growing concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding child fatalities in state custody. The issue has gained urgency following a recent legislative audit that contradicted previous reports suggesting that the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) adhered strictly to its policies in every case of child death. This revelation has prompted lawmakers to seek significant reforms in the way information is shared and reported on child fatalities, underscoring a commitment to prevent future tragedies. For years, the process of reviewing child fatalities has been shrouded in opacity, with minimal information made available to the public or even to lawmakers. The audit found that the data provided to lawmakers over the past three years was misleading, indicating that DCFS had followed established protocols when, in fact, there were numerous instances of policy violations. This discrepancy has led lawmakers to question the integrity of the oversight mechanisms currently in place. In response to these troubling findings, Representative Cheryl Acton, a Republican from West Jordan, has introduced a bill aimed at reforming the fatality review process. The proposed legislation, known as HB434, seeks to limit the extent of information that can be redacted in fatality reviews presented to the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel. Under Acton’s proposal, only a child’s last name and home address would be blacked out, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths. "We need to ensure that no child falls through the cracks, and if they do, we must find ways to address these gaps," Acton stated, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved oversight. The bill reflects a broader legislative intent to enhance the quality and transparency of child welfare services in Utah, where fatality reviews are conducted for children who have received state services within a year of their deaths. The recent audit revealed that the existing reviews contained excessive redactions, making it difficult for lawmakers to fully grasp the context and implications of these tragic occurrences. From 2023 to 2025, auditors found that reports consistently indicated compliance with DCFS policies, even when such claims were inaccurate. The audit criticized the oversight process for harboring "troubling deficiencies" that hinder effective accountability. The audit's findings indicated that the reporting mechanisms had not only failed to provide accurate reflections of the agency’s performance but also discouraged the identification of systemic issues within DCFS. According to the report, leaders from the division and the Department of Health and Human Services acknowledged that a previous approach to reporting policy violations was overly punitive to individual caseworkers. This, they noted, resulted in a lack of constructive feedback, depriving the system of critical information necessary for improving child welfare services. Carrie Bambrough, the director of the Division of Continuous Quality and Improvement within DHHS, emphasized the importance of clarity in fatality reviews. She described the proposed legislation as a balanced approach to maintaining privacy while ensuring accountability. "We are committed to making this process meaningful and ensuring that lawmakers have the information they need for effective decision-making," Bambrough stated. The call for greater transparency is not only coming from the legislative branch; Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla also highlighted the importance of communication between lawmakers and agency officials. Escamilla, a member of the Child Welfare Oversight Panel, expressed concern over the relationship between the legislature and the executive branch, noting that the lack of transparency can undermine collaborative efforts to improve child welfare. As discussions about HB434 continue, Escamilla and her colleagues will evaluate how information is shared regarding child fatalities and consider adjustments that prioritize both privacy and accountability. A public hearing on the bill has yet to be scheduled, but the urgency of the situation is clear, as lawmakers aim to ensure that Utah's child welfare system functions effectively and transparently. In summary, the recent legislative audit has sparked significant concern among Utah lawmakers about the integrity of child welfare oversight. With Rep. Acton’s proposed bill aiming to limit redactions in fatality reviews, there is a renewed focus on ensuring accountability within the DCFS and preventing future tragedies. As the legislative session unfolds, the scrutiny of child welfare practices is set to intensify, reflecting a broader commitment to safeguarding the state's most vulnerable populations.