Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1086

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Oklahoma Children's Code; requiring permanency plan for infant to include certain placement goal. Effective date.

Impact

The bill notably requires all permanency plans for infants—specifically those 12 months or younger—to aim for a prospective permanent placement within one year after the adjudication. This requirement is designed to ensure that young children do not languish in temporary placements and are given an opportunity for stability and permanency at a crucial stage in their development. Additionally, this legislation introduces provisions that define circumstances under which reasonable efforts for reunification may not be necessary, such as if the child has been sexually abused or if their guardian has abandoned them.

Summary

Senate Bill 1086 proposes amendments to the Oklahoma Children’s Code that emphasize the importance of creating and maintaining an individualized service plan for children adjudicated as deprived. The bill mandates that this service plan must be delivered to the court within 30 days of the child's adjudication and should involve comprehensive evaluations of both the child and their family. The health and safety of the child are prioritized throughout this process, requiring that families be actively involved in developing plans that address their unique circumstances and needs.

Contention

Opponents of SB1086 may raise concerns about the potential for the bill to hasten the termination of parental rights in cases lacking resources for family reunification. There are also discussions around whether the parameters set forth regarding the timeliness of permanency plans could undermine the due process rights of parents who might be categorically excluded from reunification efforts without sufficient consideration. Thus, while the bill aims to expedite permanency for children, it also presents challenges regarding parental involvement and support.