The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) recently released a detailed account of its involvement with 12-year-old Gavin Peterson who starved to death in June following years of abuse.
Gavin, 12, died on July 9 due to severe malnutrition, which caused his organs to "shut down completely." Police charged his biological father, 46-year-old Shane Peterson; his stepmother, 50-year-old Nichole Scott; and biological brother, 21-year-old Tyler Peterson, were arrested and taken into custody and charged with child abuse homicide.
Details of Gavin's death were made public. A subsequent investigation found that the suspects beat the child and only gave him a piece of bread with mustard and one-third cup of water. This launched protests over the state's handling of the 12-year-old's abuse and led the DCFS to launch a review, per Fox 13 Now.
DCFS' Involvement in Gavin Peterson's Case
The DCFS noted that Gavin came from a two-household family, with which the agency worked as early as 2013. However, the agency only released details relevant to Gavin's time in the Peterson household.
2019
In May, a DCFS intake worker received a report of suspected child abuse and neglect in the Peterson's home. They determined that Scott was physically abusing a child that was not Gavin. They were given voluntary in-home services. The case was closed a month later.
2020
The DCFS received another call with concerns about Gavin at another household. Neither Shane nor Nichole were involved in the incident. A juvenile court later ordered both households, including the Peterson's, to participate in in-home services.
In August, DCFS received a call from an unidentified party with concerns about Gavin and how he was being treated in the Peterson home. However, the agency determined that the information did not "meet the criteria required by Utah state law" to open an investigation.
2022
In September, an unidentified individual reported concerns about Gavin's well-being. The report also did not meet the criteria for the DCFS to open an investigation.
2023
In March, the DCFS received two phone calls alleging the physical neglect of Gavin in the Peterson household. The agency opened a new investigation.
Investigators who worked the case spoke to the people who made the reports. They also spoke to Gavin at his school without his parents present. Neither party said anything about concerns regarding abuse or neglect.
In May, a DCFS investigator interviewed Shane. It was unclear what information was disclosed during the interview. They also received a third report accusing the Peterson household of physically abusing Gavin. The investigators interviewed all adults in the home. They also spoke with Gavin for the second time, also away from his alleged abusers.
The case was closed after the investigators said they did not find enough evidence to indicate that the 12-year-old was being abused or neglected.
2024
On July 9, the DCFS was alerted that Gavin was in the emergency room with fatal injuries. He died that day.
DCFS opened an investigation and found that Gavin was a victim of "severe chronic" physical abuse and neglect in the Peterson home that took place "over a period of time" the agency did not have contact with Gavin.
What Authorities Are Doing Now
Shane, Scott, and Tyler are being charged with child abuse homicide, aggravated child abuse, and endangerment of a child.
The Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel is expected to review the DCFS' response to Gavin's case.
