"The children were extremely protective of their mother and were afraid that she would harm herself if they were removed from the home. They were wise enough to tell the CPS investigators what they needed in order to protect their mother, and CPS investigators were content to close their cases based on the reports of the immediate family."

Child welfare workers should have recognized that the boys were at risk due to how dysfunctional the family was and the number of boyfriends their mother allowed in the home, according to the report.

The fatality review committee wrote it is critical that future DCFS workers have a clear understanding of the family's history, including "that they are aware that two children have already taken their own lives."

The report also questioned the safety of another younger child in the home.

"As the anniversary dates of his brothers' deaths approached, he will be at heightened risk of suicide."

It is unclear whether DCFS took any action to remove the child from the home, but the boy now lives with his grandparents.

DCFS created a crisis response team in Moab and Price after the deaths there, Sisco said. The team, which includes police, school administrators and mental health workers, identifies high-risk kids.

"If suicide does occur, we immediately go to youngsters who need help," Sisco said.

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