We should support the Office of Parental Defense. Utah recently established this office to assist parents accused of child abuse and neglect. Many parents accused of such violations believe the state's child welfare system is stacked against them. Protecting children from abuse and neglect is critical, and we must never compromise our commitment to their safety. Nevertheless, the state must not penalize children by unjustly punishing their parents, or by inappropriately limiting parents' roles. By supporting the success of the Office of Parental Defense, we can build assurance that parents have access to appropriately trained counsel and that Utah's child welfare system will have the proper balance it needs.

The DCFS agency has been under close scrutiny since a federal lawsuit was filed in 1993 against the state for failure to protect children adequately. The agency is still under the supervision of a federal judge. DCFS has made progress in meeting its child welfare responsibilities and in meeting federal standards. During the last five years, Utah's federal review scores have improved in the areas of stability of children in foster homes, ensuring appropriate child placements, meeting health care needs of children in agency custody, and providing educational services. In addition, Utah is among the top states for the shortest lengths of stay in foster care and in moving children into homes of adoptive parents.

My concerns include the need to achieve further progress in meeting performance standards, including the area of helping families learn how to help themselves. DCFS has worked to form Child and Family Services Teams to work with families on services that would contribute to family well-being. The agency also needs to overcome staffing problems arising from turnover and inexperience. DCFS further needs to secure stronger community support to address social problems such as substance abuse and domestic violence that aggravate family problems, especially for children.

Abused and neglected children are particularly vulnerable. We must not compound the challenges they face. To better assess and meet the needs of foster children, the DCFS, the juvenile courts, guardians, foster parents, and public and private service providers must better coordinate their efforts. Every child in our foster care system needs to be adequately placed, with relative or kinship placements where possible, and monitored, with family involvement if possible, to ensure that each child's needs are sufficiently met.

To view my detailed plan on supporting the interests of Utah's children, entitled "We Can Do Better: A Pledge to Utah's Children," please visit my Web site at www.mathesonforgovernor.com.