South Jordan to mull foster-care registry

Shepherd said police have responded to emergency calls at one foster home 19 times this year. Of those calls, only five were for criminal issues, he said. The other 14 were for arguments or other family conflicts in which no crime had taken place.

Pierson said he is unaware of any precedent in Utah or nationally for the South Jordan ordinance — a decree he says is "unfair and punitive."

"The police are there in South Jordan to serve and protect, and yet they're putting a parameter on who they serve and protect with this ordinance," Pierson said.

South Jordan resident Joseph Fullmer spoke out against the proposed ordinance at last week's City Council meeting and questioned why the city is considering a special set of rules for foster families.

"I have five children of my own," Fullmer said. "If I make four calls to emergency services in a year, that's reasonable according to this (ordinance). If I have four children and one foster child, all of a sudden four calls is unreasonable."

The issue was tabled until tonight to allow time for city officials to address such concerns. Fullmer met with Shepherd and other city officials last week to discuss the ordinance.

"I think the city's motives are good, but I don't think this is the best solution," he said.

---

E-mail: jpage@desnews.com