A. The Department of Human Services may, subject to available funding and in consultation with an evaluation team created pursuant to this section, create a pilot program to improve socioeconomic outcomes for children in state custody.

B. If implemented by the Department, the pilot program shall:

1. Identify the populations of children in state custody and the characteristics of those children including, but not limited to, populations in which parental drug and/or alcohol abuse, mental illness, mental and/or physical disability and domestic abuse are an issue;

2. Develop and design programs to provide services to children in state custody;

3. Develop methods for coordinating state and local services to assist children and their families;

4. Allow and provide for participation of both urban and rural concerns in developing and designing such programs;

5. Monitor, evaluate and review the programs implemented to serve populations of children in state custody; and

6. Include such other areas, programs, services and information deemed necessary by the Department to provide a comprehensive assessment of the needs and programs necessary to provide assistance to children in state custody.

C. An evaluation team shall determine the effectiveness of the pilot program and make a report to the Legislature and to the Department annually thereafter. Such report shall cover:

1. Effective programs that will serve children in state custody;

2. The potential for statewide expansion of programs;

3. Funding sources from public and private partnerships;

4. Training of professionals to serve children in state custody;

5. Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing continued effectiveness of such programs;

6. Special needs of children in state custody from parental addiction to drugs and alcohol and parental mental illness and mental and/or physical disability and from domestic abuse; and

7. Recommendations regarding the issuance of grants and contracts for serving such populations.

D. The evaluation team shall consist of not more than two (2) representatives from the following entities who have expertise in child abuse prevention, juvenile delinquency or a related field and who have an understanding of program evaluation techniques:

1. The Department of Human Services;

2. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services;

3. The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth;

4. A statewide organization advocating for children's issues;

5. A statewide organization representing children in court;

6. The University of Oklahoma;

7. Oklahoma State University; and

8. The Office of Juvenile Affairs.

E. Upon receipt of recommendations from the evaluation team established pursuant to this section, which indicate that the expansion of the pilot project on a statewide basis would be economically feasible and practical, the Department for Human Services may promulgate rules for developing a statewide program based on the findings of the pilot program.

F. The Department may:

1. Contract for services necessary to carry out the duties of the Department pursuant to the provisions of this section; and

2. Accept the services of volunteer workers or consultants, provided no compensation be provided for such services.

G. The Department of Human Services may promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2017, c. 315, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2017.