DHS Director Answers Questions During News 9 One-On-One Interview

Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Howard Hendrick, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, sat down for more than an hour with News 9 and answered not only our questions, but questions many of our viewers asked on our Facebook page.

The director addressed everything from the recent investigation and handling of the Serenity deal case, to criticisms of the agency's role in other high profile cases.

News 9 also addressed questions about high case loads and caseworker turnover, policies and procedures, and how his agency handles the increased demand for services in light of our down-turned economy and how budget cuts have factored into it.

Though he is a father and a grandfather, Hendrick has never fostered or adopted a child, though he travels frequently across the state to meet and talk with those who are.

"We really are concerned about whether kids are safe," Hendrick said.

Hendrick said he wishes the agency didn't exist. Or more accurately wasn't needed. But as long as it is, he wants the agency to do the best it can.

And though he is eligible to retire, having served more than 25 years in public service, Hendrick plans to stay put, saying the agency needs stability now more than ever.

The director says there is a way you can contact him directly on the DHS website.