March 4, 2025
Nate Crippes / Public Affairs Supervising Attorney
ncrippes@disabilitylawcenter.org
Andrew Riggle / Public Policy Advocate
ariggle@disabilitylawcenter.org
(801) 363-1347 / (800) 662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org
The DLC is grateful for the division’s efforts to step up oversight in the last year or so. We also appreciate Sen. Owens requiring at least two clean inspections before a restriction or prohibition on new admissions can be removed and three before a condition is removed.
However, an agency action indicates a possible concern or problem. Given the DLC still sees and receives reports of youth getting hurt or dying almost four years after the passage of SB 127, we’re worried about prohibiting the division from restricting new admissions based on a conditional license alone and allowing a program to operate unconditionally while appealing a decision or when an adjudicative proceeding is pending.
There continues to be a need for more enforcement, not less. Utah should also be investing in community-based supports for youth, rather than focusing on institutional care as its only option. Thank you for your time and considering our perspective.