Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1783

Introduced

2/7/22

Refer

2/8/22

Caption

Child custody; excusing placement with certain relative; providing presumption for best interest of child. Effective date.

Impact

This legislation is poised to significantly alter how custody and placement decisions are made in Oklahoma. By formally establishing a presumption that relative placements serve the best interest of the child, it potentially increases the number of children placed with family members rather than in foster care settings. This shift is designed to create a more supportive environment for children by promoting stability and familiarity in their lives, which is known to benefit their emotional and psychological well-being in these difficult circumstances.

Summary

Senate Bill 1783 aims to amend existing child custody laws in Oklahoma by providing specific guidelines for the placement of children in custody cases. The bill emphasizes giving preference to relatives and kinship caregivers when determining a child’s placement and clarifies the Department of Human Services' responsibilities in actively searching for suitable relative placements. The modification to Section 1-4-204 of 10A O.S. 2021 reinforces the importance of maintaining familial connections for the child while also considering the child's best interests in placement decisions.

Contention

The bill addresses several critical factors in the placement process, such as the need for timely relative searches, the requirement for relatives to stay informed, and the circumstances under which siblings may be separated. While the emphasis on keeping siblings together and prioritizing family connections is generally viewed positively, concerns may arise regarding the practicality of the provisions, especially in cases where relatives may not be willing or able to take on the responsibility of caregiving. Thus, the bill may foster discussions on balancing familial preference with child safety and well-being, particularly in cases involving challenging home environments.