DHS Commission Approves Modified Settlement Agreement

News9.com

Commissioners who oversee the Oklahoma Department of Human Services voted Wednesday to approve a modified settlement of a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit specifically targeted the state's foster care system for children.

The commission met into the evening evaluating the modified proposal in executive session. The modifications were made by the state's Contingency Review Board last week.

Commissioners approved the revised settlement on a 6-3 vote.

The settlement requires DHS to develop standards for improving its foster care system. The development and implementation of the standards will be overseen by a panel of three monitors from outside of Oklahoma. DHS has until February 15th to present its plan to the panel. Both the DHS and Children's Rights participated in selecting the out of state monitors.

The commissioners at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services agreed 6-3 Wednesday night to a revised settlement of a federal class-action lawsuit over the state's care of foster children.