{"id":376717,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/utah-law\/utah-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-08-23T11:55:59","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T16:55:59","slug":"utah-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/utah-law\/utah-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Utah Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Utah Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

Utah\u2019s child abuse laws protect children from harm by prohibiting the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of children. These child abuse statutes assist in prosecuting child abusers and mandate reporting of suspected child abuse to the authorities. The laws are enforced by the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), which prioritizes maintaining family integrity and the child’s best interests. Penalties for child abuse vary depending on the severity of the offense, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In the state of Utah, child abuse laws include physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse against a minor child (under the age of 18) by a parent or legal guardian. The laws exclude reasonable discipline unless it causes serious physical injury.<\/p>\r\n

If you think a child close to you is being abused or neglected, report it to local authorities or the DCFS hotline<\/a> right away. State law requires anyone who reasonably suspects a child is at risk to make a report.<\/p>\r\n

If you or your child are facing abuse from a family member, you are not alone. A family law<\/a> or domestic violence attorney<\/a> in your area can help you make a plan to find safety, including filing for a protective order.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re facing criminal charges related to child abuse, seek help from a criminal defense attorney<\/a>. A conviction for child abuse can have serious consequences.<\/p>\r\n

Utah Child Abuse Statutes<\/h2>\r\n

Utah\u2019s child abuse definition comes from the Juvenile Code \u00a7 80-1-102<\/a>. Abuse includes:<\/p>\r\n