17-03-2025
Oklahoma Human Services released from oversight plan
OKLAHOMA CITY –A federal court has declared that Oklahoma Human Services is no longer subject to the oversight of child welfare monitors.
The state has fulfilled its obligations under the Compromise and Settlement Agreement that brought forward the state's Pinnacle Plan.
In 2012, DHS settled a class-action civil rights lawsuit against its foster care system by agreeing to improve targeted areas of the state's child welfare system. The Pinnacle Plan was developed as part of that settlement agreement.
'I want to make Oklahoma the best place in the nation to raise a family. We've made huge investments into our child welfare system and have made the well-being of our state's children a top priority.'
Governor Kevin Stitt
The Pinnacle Plan concludes that Oklahoma is on the right trajectory. This marks the conclusion of more than a decade of intensive foster care reform efforts to serve Oklahoma's children and families better.
Since the inception of the Pinnacle Plan in 2012, Oklahoma Human Services has worked diligently to implement meaningful changes to serve children and families better. Over the years, the agency has reduced the number of children in state custody from more than 11,000 in 2014 to just under 5,800 in March 2025. The reduction is the result of a strategic focus on prevention services, family support initiatives, and improved foster care systems.
'We remain committed to the strength and resilience of Oklahoma's families, and I see a bright future ahead of us,' Stitt said.
While this represents a significant milestone, he said the agency remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement and transparency, ensuring the progress made under the Pinnacle Plan is sustained for years to come.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond commended the dedication and work of his staff, the state Department of Human Services, and the state Legislature for completing all requirements under the Pinnacle Plan, which has transformed Oklahoma's child welfare system into a national model of excellence.
'Today marks the culmination of 13 years of dedicated work to protect Oklahoma's most vulnerable children,' Drummond said in a prepared statement. 'Our office has been proud to work hand-in-hand with DHS throughout this process, from negotiating the initial settlement to witnessing the remarkable transformation of our child welfare system.'
'While the formal oversight has ended, The Oklahoma House of Representatives will continue to work alongside the Department of Human Services to build on these successes, ensuring that every child in our state has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving environment,' said Majority Leader Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa.
Even though external monitoring has ended, Oklahoma Human Services remains committed to publicly reporting on its performance. The agency will continue working with community partners, legislators, and other stakeholders to maintain transparency and ensure Oklahoma families have the resources they need for lifelong success.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
