Morrissette Wants DHS Investigation
Rep. Richard Morrissette today called on House leaders to appoint a bipartisan committee with subpoena power to investigate allegations of mismanagement at the Department of Human Services.
He said the committee must compel testimony if lawmakers want to receive a "true picture" of agency operations.
"I have been contacted by many citizens and even state employees who have identified major problems at the Department of Human Services," said Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City. "However, these individuals fear reprisal for their testimony if they voluntarily appear before a standing committee. The only way we can receive a full accounting of DHS management is to give people the legal cover provided by a subpoena."
Because several children have recently died in state custody, Morrissette has called for a major investigation of DHS and complete reform of the agency.
Morrissette filed legislation this year that would have divided DHS into three separate agencies. However, his House Bill 2890 did not receive a hearing.
Recently, Morrissette hosted a public forum for citizens and agency officials to air their concerns about DHS. Since that hearing, he said, "I have received calls and e-mail from many people who are employed by DHS who can't go public unless legally compelled to do so. They are afraid of losing their jobs."
He said some citizens are also reluctant to publicly discuss their concerns about DHS unless the House makes clear that a true investigation is being conducted.
Morrissette said a recent lawsuit should motive legislators to thoroughly investigate DHS. The New York-based child advocacy organization Children's Rights has sued the Department of Human Services 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.
The group is seeking class-action status so they can represent more than 10,000 children in DHS custody. Children's Rights has successfully used similar class-action lawsuits to force changes in child-welfare systems in around a dozen states.
He said the committee must compel testimony if lawmakers want to receive a "true picture" of agency operations.
"I have been contacted by many citizens and even state employees who have identified major problems at the Department of Human Services," said Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City. "However, these individuals fear reprisal for their testimony if they voluntarily appear before a standing committee. The only way we can receive a full accounting of DHS management is to give people the legal cover provided by a subpoena."
Because several children have recently died in state custody, Morrissette has called for a major investigation of DHS and complete reform of the agency.
Morrissette filed legislation this year that would have divided DHS into three separate agencies. However, his House Bill 2890 did not receive a hearing.
Recently, Morrissette hosted a public forum for citizens and agency officials to air their concerns about DHS. Since that hearing, he said, "I have received calls and e-mail from many people who are employed by DHS who can't go public unless legally compelled to do so. They are afraid of losing their jobs."
He said some citizens are also reluctant to publicly discuss their concerns about DHS unless the House makes clear that a true investigation is being conducted.
Morrissette said a recent lawsuit should motive legislators to thoroughly investigate DHS. The New York-based child advocacy organization Children's Rights has sued the Department of Human Services 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.
The group is seeking class-action status so they can represent more than 10,000 children in DHS custody. Children's Rights has successfully used similar class-action lawsuits to force changes in child-welfare systems in around a dozen states.
Labels: DHS, Richard Morrissette
posted by Mike McCarville @ 9:27 AM
<< Home