State takes immediate action to limit license of program where Utah boy died in hot car
(KUTV) – Utah licensing regulators have issued a notice effective immediately against the care program where an 11-year-old boy with autism died inside a hot car this week.
The Notice of Agency Action by the Utah Department of Human Services (UDHS) puts Roost Services LLC on a conditional license, meaning the company cannot take on any new clients and must comply with the investigation into the boy’s death, or its license to operate in Utah could be revoked.
“As a result of the severity of the incident, we have already taken action. We always have the option to terminate a license if we find the violations are too severe to protect the health and safety of those who are being,” UDHS spokesperson Heather Barnum told 2News.
According to the family of Joshua Hancey, he was in the care of Roost Services on Wednesday when he was left inside a car in the parking lot of the company’s American Fork facility. He was discovered approximately 2 hours later and died at the scene, according to police.
The Notice of Agency Action says Hancey had previously wandered off from Roost Services staff, including on the day prior to his death.
Barnum told 2News that UDHS licensing regulators are working with American Fork Police and Child Protective Services to investigate Hancey's death.
Hancey’s mother told 2News on Thursday that the situation is ‘traumatizing and devastating’ for her family.
The UDHS action requires Roost Services LLC to notify all clients that the company has received a Notice of Agency Action.
Hancey’s family established a fundraising website to help cover funeral expenses.
2News has contacted Roost Services LLC for comment, but has not received a response.
