Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – A campaign pressing for a grand jury probe into the operations of Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services is facing a crucial deadline this Friday. Spearheaded by prominent groups and local leaders, the movement asserts systemic issues within the agency and seeks extensive public support to trigger a formal investigation.
Initiated in October, the petition drive garners support from the Oklahoma NAACP, Oklahomans for Children’s Rights, and Republican State Representative Justin “JJ” Humphrey. The petition outlines 10 allegations against the Department of Human Services, from failing to report child abuse to alleged involvements in conspiracy to affect court cases negatively.
Key activists, including Lynda Steele, a former candidate for Oklahoma Attorney General, have been integral to the signature gathering efforts. This past weekend, Steele and other volunteers convened at Scissortail Park and the state capitol rallying for public backing. Their goal was ambitious – to collect 1,000 signatures each day over the weekend to reach a target of 5,000 signatures in total.
Lynda Steele emphasized the need for a thorough review of the agency’s funding and oversight, particularly criticizing the roles and decisions of guardians ad litem, the court-appointed officials who represent the interests of children in legal proceedings. “We need an overhaul on how we fund DHS,” Steele remarked. “We need somebody to look into the intent of the actions of judges, mainly of the GALs.”
In response to the pending petition and allegations, the Department of Human Services has committed to maintaining transparency and pledged its cooperation with any investigatory process set forth. The department expressed its dedication to rectifying any validated concerns highlighted through legal channels or community input.
As momentum builds with the pending deadline, organizers remain hopeful that the gathered public support will bring to light significant reforms needed within the agency. They assert that a grand jury investigation is a critical step toward ensuring accountability and enhancing the welfare of children under the agency’s care.
Public interest in this matter underscores the community’s ongoing concerns about child welfare services and the integrity of those guarding vulnerable populations. As Friday’s deadline approaches, the anticipation and efforts continue to mount, reflective of a broader call for transparency and reform in public agencies across the state.
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