The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth held a significant meeting on February 1, 2024, where key discussions centered around child welfare reform and the importance of empathy in social services. The meeting featured a poignant testimony from a parent, Amber Adams, who shared her family's struggles with domestic violence, mental health issues, and the subsequent involvement of the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Adams recounted the tragic suicide of her husband in 2012, which led to a DHS investigation. She expressed her fear of losing her children during this difficult time and highlighted the lack of compassion from her initial caseworker. However, she noted a positive turnaround with a new caseworker who provided much-needed support, including grief counseling and assistance with housing. Adams emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in social services, urging for more training and resources to help families in crisis.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing child welfare reform efforts in Oklahoma. Director Shropshire reported on a lawsuit related to child welfare that had been settled, allowing the state to exit 75% of the issues outlined in the settlement agreement. He noted that while significant progress has been made, there are still areas needing improvement, particularly in therapeutic foster care and permanency timeliness.

The commission underscored the need for continued collaboration among various departments to enhance services for families. Shropshire highlighted the governor's task force aimed at improving permanency for children in foster care, ensuring they can reunify with their families or find adoptive homes more quickly.

Overall, the meeting reinforced the critical need for compassionate support in child welfare and the ongoing commitment to reforming the system to better serve Oklahoma families. The discussions highlighted the importance of lived experiences in shaping policies and the collective responsibility to foster a more empathetic approach in social services.