OPEA

The Office of Juvenile Affairs presented its FY 2009 budget request to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services, Thursday, March 27.

Executive Director Gene Christian began by thanking the committee for increases the agency received in its budget last session, including a pay initiative for direct care and field staff that deals directly with juvenile offenders. 

“You demonstrated to our staff that you appreciate them,” said Christian. 

He then continued with concerns for the fiscal year beginning July 2008.

The federal lawsuit against the state, regarding conditions at the Rader Center, are at the top of the agency’s list of priorities.  The cost of the improvements is $3.146 million for modifications to make the facility more secure to operate.

Christian continued that OJA facilities are different from prisons, because in accordance with the settlement of a former federal lawsuit, security comes from staff and not mechanical locks.  Rader has blind spots on the cottages that must be secure.  In addition, the facility must maintain a 1/10 staff client ratio during waking hours and 1/12 while the juveniles are sleeping.

“Our staff is critical because that is how an OJA facility is secured,” said Christian.  “Suicide prevention initially requires 1/1 eye-to-eye contact at all times.”  As the juvenile is moved to lower risk the security level is decreased. 

“This occurs almost daily,” said Christian in response to a question about how often suicide precautions are needed.  “We are mostly dealing with disturbed kids.”

In addition to the Rader Center settlement, the top priority for the agency is funding for pay increases, to bring classified employees to the mid-point (capped at $2,000).  Christian is also asking for $98,000 to provide an evening shift differential, when the juveniles are idle and not sleeping.

When asked if the assaults on staff had decreased, Christian replied they had, however, the agency was implementing new standards on reporting so that Oklahoma statistics could be compared with the rest of the nation.

One of the issues with the Oklahoma system is that the facilities house youthful offenders of 17 through 20 years of age with the younger delinquents. 

“We are asking that a facility for youthful offenders be included in any bond issue that is considered this year,” said Christian.  Youthful offenders would not be subject to the strict lawsuit restrictions that don’t allow locked doors. 

In addition, the agency is recommending legislation to modify the Youthful Offender Act.  SB 1403 requires that a young person return to their sentencing court at age 18 for one of three options; adult probation, adult corrections, or another six months in OJA custody.  If this legislation is implemented, OJA would not be responsible for offenders above 18 ½ years of age.

The problems in the federal budget will seriously affect OJA’s FY 2009 funding.  A new federal rule will not allow the agency to bill Medicaid for $6.2 million in services provided to juveniles.  This issue is affecting DHS and the Health Care Authority also.  Several states are requesting that the federal government put a moratorium on this rule.

OJA is requesting $131,600 to fund an “internal affairs division” that will help speed the investigation process at the Office of Client Advocacy.  Christian said this would help the agency move cases to resolution and clear the names of innocent workers quickly after allegations or terminate those who are guilty of client abuse.

“OPEA is pleased that funding for salary increases is a top priority for OJA,” said OPEA Research and Policy Director Trish Frazier.  “In addition, our members have told legislators for several years that the new facility is critical for the older, stronger clients.  Too many employees have been injured attempting to provide security for the facilities, without the aid of something as simple as locking doors.”