OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation unveiled today would empower parents who are in crisis to find a home for their children without the involvement of the Department of Human Services, according to the bill’s author.
House Bill 2536, by state Rep. Jason Nelson, would create a legal power of attorney for parents to use when placing their children with a host family. The legislation also modifies existing child placing licensure laws to ensure that the laws don’t frustrate or prohibit the work of private groups and host families who are caring for the child of a parent in crisis.
“Many people may see this as a radical concept and it is unfortunate that we live in a day when such a common-sense approach comes across as radical,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “The assumptions that underpin this approach are that parents love their children and are capable of making major decisions on behalf of their children even in the midst of a family crisis.”
Even as reforms and additional resources are put in place at DHS the number of children coming into state custody continues at an alarming and unsustainable pace, Nelson said.
In 2009, a research report that examined Oklahoma’s foster care system recommended that the state seek partnerships with the faith community in meeting the need for foster homes. The Count Me In 4 Kids collaborative is ready to take this a step further by working with the faith community to help families in crisis get back on their feet and avoid the circumstances that lead to DHS involvement.
“Many of us from the Count Me In 4 Kids collaborative are excited to be here today as our state moves forward in helping many more compassionate and caring Oklahomans step up to love and nurture some of our most vulnerable children,” Lynn Institute President Karen Waddell said. “We are committed to bringing the Safe Families model to Oklahoma out of our shared belief that every child deserves to have a safe place to call home and celebrate this next important step.
“Over the past year, it’s been amazing to watch over 50 organizations set aside their individual agendas, instead working collaboratively to find a way to reduce the number of children in foster care. We are on mission together and over the coming months we’ll be creating even more ways for Oklahomans to stand up and say, count me in for our state’s children. The answer to the problem lies in all of us working together.”
Nelson said he is confident in the ability of Count Me In 4 Kids to help with child welfare challenges in Oklahoma.
“I have confidence in this effort because of the dedicated and seasoned coalition, Count Me In 4 Kids, that is taking on this challenge,” Nelson said. “And I’ve heard from many churches and church leaders that they want to help meet the needs of vulnerable families. This effort brings a proven approach to our state that facilitates this partnership with private nonprofits and the faith community. That’s why I’m excited to run House Bill 2536 that opens the door in our state to this effort.”
DHS Director Ed Lake said he supports the legislation.
“We are delighted that these efforts are being made to prepare the way for Safe Families to come to Oklahoma,” Lake said. “This has proven to be an effective model in 25 other states offering options to people in crisis before the state has to become involved. We appreciate all efforts that help vulnerable Oklahoma families work through challenges and ensure children are safe and well cared for in the process. Government agencies cannot do this work alone which is why we welcome the support of communities, faith groups, and organizations whose goals are to better the lives of the children in this state.”
For more information on Count Me In 4 Kids and ultimately Safe Families, visit www.CountMeIn4Kids.org.
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Effective August 1, 2013, several organizational changes will take place which reflect the leadership of Director Ed Lake and goals in a new agency strategic plan.
Ronald Baze, assistant attorney general with the Office of Attorney General Scott Pruitt, has been selected as the new General Counsel. Baze will remain an employee of the OAG while serving under contract as the head of DHS Legal Services. He will begin his duties as general counsel August 12.
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Ed Lake
Director, OKDHS |
“We are breaking new ground in pioneering this relationship between DHS and the Office of Attorney General Scott Pruitt,” said Lake. “I believe this new legal model will be mutually beneficial to our agency and the state of Oklahoma. DHS will now have access to all of the resources the Attorney General’s office has to offer. I was particularly impressed with Mr. Baze’s professional experiences which combined will enable him to make a great impact on our Legal Services.”
Lake has created a new position, the Director of Communications and Community Relations, and has appointed Sheree Powell, the current Coordinator of Communications, to this role. Powell will oversee the Offices of Communications as well as Community and Faith Engagement, and Information and Referral. In addition, she will also manage Provider Relations.
“This is a move to enhance our engagement with community partners, volunteers and contract providers,” said Lake. “I heard over and over during my listening sessions and through subsequent encounters with our partners that we need to have better communication and more cooperative relationships with them. This has emerged as a major objective in our agency’s new strategic plan and I have asked Sheree to work with all programs agency wide to improve upon and build those relationships.
“The combination of these particular offices is a natural fit since their responsibilities are so intertwined with one another. This was also a great fit for Sheree. In addition to being an experienced communications director, she also has an extensive background managing provider relations and building community partnerships,” Lake said.
The current functions of Finance and some Administrative Services will be moved under a new Director of Finance and Administration. Lake has appointed David Ligon to this position. Ligon is currently the Interim Director and former Chief of Staff with the Department of Rehabilitative Services. Beginning with DHS August 19, Ligon will oversee all finance functions of the agency as well as Support Services and the Office of Business Quality.
“I am excited about adding David to our DHS team,” said Lake. “He has a 30-year history and impressive reputation for solid financial and administrative management in state government, including 18 years as a House fiscal analyst, ending as the Deputy Director. David brings a wealth of valuable experiences that will benefit our agency.”
Director Lake has decided to move Child Care Services under the management of Jim Struby, Director of Adult and Family Services.
“This move will benefit both Child Care Services and the work within Adult and Family Services since the two programs overlap in many areas,” said Lake. “I believe Jim Struby and Lesli Blazer will work well together and both of their programs will benefit from this organizational relationship.”
Adult Protective Services is being moved to Community Living and Support Services under the management of Mark Jones. APS will be a free-standing program joining the ranks with Aging Services, Developmental Disabilities Services, and Child Support Services.
“This move just made sense since APS serves both people who are aging and people with developmental disabilities. Mark Jones will bring a valuable perspective to the work in APS from his previous work with the Office of Client Advocacy and his successful litigation experience with the Homeward Bound vs. the Hissom Memorial Center lawsuit,” Lake said.
Director Lake has created another new position, Chief of Staff, and is in the process of filling that position. The Chief of Staff’s responsibilities will include management of Human Resources and the Offices of Intergovernmental Relations and Policy, and Planning, Research and Statistics.
A new organizational chart is currently being developed to reflect these changes and will be posted to the website in the near future.
