SECTION 340:75-4-9. Purpose, philosophy, legal base, and authority for family-centered services

(a)   Purpose. Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) provides family-centered services (FCS) that include referrals and services for families after the completion of an assessment or investigation of child abuse or neglect allegations. The purpose of FCS is to :

(1)   focus on the child's safety ; and

(2)   preserve and strengthen protective capacities of the person responsible for the child (PRFC) to keep the child safely in the child's own home.

(b)   Philosophy. Family preservation and rehabilitation is a priority during the pendency of the family-centered services case; however, the right to family integrity is limited by the right of children to be protected from abuse and neglect, per Section 1-1-102 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes. FCS emphasizes a commitment to:

(1)   maintain the child safely in his or her own home, when possible;

(2)   focus on the entire family rather than individuals; and

(3)   provide comprehensive services that engage the family and target the family's therapeutic, supportive, and concrete needs.

(c)   Legal base and authority. Preventive and pre-placement services to children and families are mandated by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act, Title IV-B, Subparts I and II, and the OKDHS Child and Family Services Plan.

[Source: Added at 19 Ok Reg 409, eff 1-1-02 (emergency); Added at 19 Ok Reg 1129, eff 5-13-02; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 2072, eff 6-26-03; Amended at 23 Ok Reg 1024, eff 5-11-06; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 1092, eff 3-26-10 (emergency); Amended at 27 Ok Reg 1865, eff 7-1-10; Amended at 29 Ok Reg 635, eff 6-1-12]