Morrissette Seeks Division Of DHS
Rep. Richard Morrissette of Oklahoma City today urged legislators to break up the state Department of Human Services,warning that federal officials may step in if the Legislature fails to act.
House Bill 2890, by Morrissette, would require the Department of Human Services to develop a plan to divide the agency into three separate entities: the Children and Family Services Division, the Aging Services Division and the Developmental Disabilities Services Division.
"This transition is long overdue," said Morrissette. "During my years of practicing law, I have represented hundreds of clients dealing with this gargantuan behemoth of an agency. DHS needs to be broken up. My bill was filed last year before the recent class-action lawsuit was initiated. The longer we wait, the more we imperil those people who need to be protected. Let us remake DHS today before the federal courts tell us how to do it."
Last week, New York-based child advocacy organization Children's Rights sued DHS on behalf of nine children who were allegedly physically and psychologically damaged by Oklahoma's foster care system. The lawsuit alleges that abused children are often re-traumatized while in state custody because of numerous flaws in DHS oversight and management of the foster care system.
House Bill 2890, by Morrissette, would require the Department of Human Services to develop a plan to divide the agency into three separate entities: the Children and Family Services Division, the Aging Services Division and the Developmental Disabilities Services Division.
"This transition is long overdue," said Morrissette. "During my years of practicing law, I have represented hundreds of clients dealing with this gargantuan behemoth of an agency. DHS needs to be broken up. My bill was filed last year before the recent class-action lawsuit was initiated. The longer we wait, the more we imperil those people who need to be protected. Let us remake DHS today before the federal courts tell us how to do it."
Last week, New York-based child advocacy organization Children's Rights sued DHS on behalf of nine children who were allegedly physically and psychologically damaged by Oklahoma's foster care system. The lawsuit alleges that abused children are often re-traumatized while in state custody because of numerous flaws in DHS oversight and management of the foster care system.
Labels: DHS, Richard Morrissette
posted by Mike McCarville @ 2:27 PM
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