SALT LAKE CITY—Amidst an unprecedented global pandemic and accelerating climate crisis, it’s no surprise that mental health treatment needs for youth increased in 2021. However, looking at the data in context tells a more nuanced story, and reveals the strength of Utah’s public health and prevention infrastructure. According to the newest Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) survey results, 33% …
WASHINGTON D.C.—On Thursday, May 13, the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary heard a live testimony on the success of juvenile justice reform in Utah and the state’s unprecedented efforts to prevent youth from entering the carceral system. Brett Peterson, Director for the Division of Juvenile Justice Services within the Utah Department of Human Services, headed to the nation’s capitol …
The Utah Department of Human Services Office of Licensing released a comprehensive survey seeking public input on new rules governing youth congregate care programs. S.B. 127, a law expanding regulation of Utah’s congregate care programs for the first time in 15 years, goes into effect on May 5, 2021, and definitions and rule updates must be in effect by Nov. …
Harris to help DHS accelerate progress toward internal and systemic change
The Utah Department of Human Services (DHS) Executive Director Tracy Gruber announced the appointment of two new Deputy Directors, Nate Checketts and David Litvack. They will both assume their new roles April 5. These appointments come during a broader period of transition for the department, with a new executive director appointed in January by Governor Spencer Cox, and passage of …
On December 18, 2020 the Utah Department of Human Services (DHS) signed the Utah Compact for Racial Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion. DHS joined Governor Gary R. Herbert and hundreds of other signatories committed to addressing systemic racism. “We have a daunting opportunity within state government to positively influence change because we know our services often disproportionately affect people of color,” …
New data is showing positive outcomes in Utah’s juvenile justice system for youth, families and community safety, including a staggering 46% reduction of low-risk youth in locked detention statewide with the state’s reinvestment model into home and community- based programs. Since 2017, when a comprehensive set of reforms sponsored by Rep. Lowry Snow and Sen. Todd Weiler was signed into …
Law enforcement officers and other service providers responding to crime victims will soon have more resources to address their work-related trauma. The Vicarious Trauma Response Initiative (VTRI), a new partnership between the State of Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services Adult Protective Services (APS), the Salt Lake City Police Department and the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center (located …
The first of its kind in Utah, the release of the 2020 Utah LBGTQ+ Suicide Prevention Plan will guide suicide prevention efforts to support those at higher-risk and save lives. Due to social exclusion and other factors, LGBTQ+ people are at greater risk for suicide compared to non-LGBTQ+ people, with increased risk for transgender people. Through input from state and …
The Utah Strong Recovery Project Provides Virtual Access to Crisis Services SALT LAKE CITY—-More than 40 crisis counselors are ready to answer your call if you are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression because of COVID-19. The Utah Strong Recovery Project is funded by a FEMA grant facilitated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The funding is …
