The primary goal of Child and Family Services is to protect children from abuse, neglect, or dependency, as well as to serve their family members who may experience violence in the home.

Utah law requires any person who has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or dependency to immediately notify the nearest office of Child and Family Services, a peace officer, or a law enforcement agency. Abuse, neglect, or dependency of a child can be physical, emotional, or sexual.