Advocacy

Prevention starts with policy that puts families first.

We advocate for evidence-informed solutions that strengthen family stability and prevent child abuse statewide. By aligning local expertise with statewide leadership, we ensure family support services are represented where decisions are made.

Family Support Centers of Utah advocate for systemic solutions that strengthen families and prevent child abuse statewide.

We engage with policymakers, community partners, and advocates to elevate the needs of Utah families and promote evidence-informed approaches that create lasting impact — grounded in statewide coordination and the local expertise of our 11 centers.

Advocacy strengthens families before crisis occurs.
When families struggle with housing, childcare, food security, or health needs, policy decisions shape whether help is accessible — or out of reach.

Utah ranks near the top nationally for overall child well-being, but challenges remain. 

Even with a high overall ranking, gaps in education, housing affordability, and basic needs directly influence community stability and long-term outcomes for children.

  1. In Utah, 28% of children live in households with some level of food insecurity, including about 3% who sometimes or often don’t have enough food — indicating significant unmet needs.

  2. Childcare challenges are not uncommon: about 9% of children under age 5 had caregivers report job changes or lost employment due to childcare issues — a major stressor for working families.

  3. Parental stress around health and care needs is also significant, especially for families with children who have special healthcare needs.

  4. The percentage of single-parent households with children in Utah has declined over the last decade, but the state still sees variability across regions — and single-parent families generally face greater financial strain.

Why Family-Centered Policy Matters

Families feel the impact of policy every day. When family support services are prioritized, prevention is strengthened, parents are supported, and communities are safer. Through statewide coordination and local insight, we help ensure policies reflect the realities of Utah families and build a stronger system of care for children across the state.