Duchesne County approves CJC MOUs and hears request for forensic interviewer

Children’s Justice Center Director Cheryl Boren told the Duchesne County Commission on April 27 that the center’s caseload increased in 2025 and that most child interviews and associated services are best handled at the CJC, which reduces trauma for child victims and strengthens court evidence.

Boren presented the center’s 2025 statistical report and asked the commission to consider funding a part-time Forensic Interview Specialist, estimating the annual cost of that position through UBAOG at about $51,000. "Duchesne County is one of the four in the state that don’t have a Forensic Interview Specialist," Boren said, noting that cases have increased year over year.

The commission approved two memorandums of understanding: one between Duchesne County and the CJC Advisory Board and another between the CJC and community partners intended to formalize the center’s multidisciplinary response to child abuse victims. Commissioners approved the MOUs and authorized the chair to sign.

Sheriff Travis Tucker and Attorney Stephen Foote participated in discussion about referrals and courtroom use of CJC interviews. The county also discussed budgeting flexibility and next steps to identify funding for the specialist position.

The MOUs and the request for the forensic interviewer were presented as administrative and budget considerations; no immediate hire was reported during the meeting.