A new report is critical of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the department’s implementation of a plan to reform the state's child welfare system.
The findings released today are from some out-of-state experts hired to monitor Oklahoma's compliance with a class action lawsuit settlement. The settlement led to what is called the ‘Pinnacle Plan’. It is the state's $153 million plan for overhauling the foster care system.
The report claims Oklahoma has submitted inaccurate data in several areas and staff turnover could lead to "a new crisis" in the organization.
The group Children's Rights calls the report "troubling." DHS Director Ed Lake says the department will seek full funding from the Legislature next year to implement the Pinnacle Plan.