SALT LAKE CITY—As Utah faces off against a growing opioid epidemic, a chronic homelessness crisis, and a range of other issues threatening families, protecting the welfare of children in the state’s child care network has never been more important. As part of these efforts, Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, will hold an event with Utah children to discuss long-term efforts to respond to the needs of Utah families on Monday, October 17th at 2 PM MST. These efforts most recently include fighting for the Family First Act, legislation to keep children safely in their homes and reduce over-reliance on group foster care homes, as well as long-term efforts to champion kinship placements as the best outcome for children.

Hatch will host the event along with Encarni Gallardo, executive director of the Children’s Service Society (CSS). CSS is the oldest non-denominational nonprofit in the state that focuses on children and families, providing individualized services for those who are responsible for the welfare of a child, including expectant parents, families and caregivers that benefit from mentoring, training and information to ensure child well-being. CSS provides comprehensive wrap-around services through programs of Adoption, Grandfamilies and Home Visitation to ensure that children and families with complex needs benefit from a coordinated care planning process