OPEA

OPEA Members Meet with Authors of Child Welfare Reform Bill to discuss Funding Concerns

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 8, 2009) – Nearly 20 OPEA members and DHS employees met today with the author of HB 1734, Representative Ron Peters, voicing their concerns that a new child welfare reform bill does not adequately address funding issues.  In addition, Senator Patrick Anderson, Vice-Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Subcommittee discussed funding and staffing issues with the group.

Senator Patrick Anderson meets with OPEA/DHS employees

“We are in total agreement that child welfare needs an overhaul,” said Trish Frazier, OPEA Policy and Research Director.  “But this bill calls for reforms without additional funding.  The bill doesn’t address employee turnover, the increasing caseloads or need for pay increases.  We hope by sharing these concerns the authors of this bill can put together a piece of legislation that will truly reform child welfare.”

The proposed bill says DHS employees will be provided consistent salary increases based on performance.  OPEA’s stance says workers need additional compensation.  “According to the Office of Personnel Management, the compensation for a Child Welfare Specialist II is 12.63 percent below market,” Frazier said.  “A 12.63 percent increase for Child Welfare Specialists would cost $7.4 million.  This only brings those employees to market.  With the challenges of the job and the expertise needed, child welfare workers should be paid above market to help reduce excessive turnover.”

OPEA's Scott Barger, left, listens as Representative Ron Peters talks about Child Welfare Reform

Caseload has been a long-time issue in child welfare; the OKDHS budget request for fiscal year 2010 attempts to address turnover by hiring an additional 116 full-time employees.  That would decrease caseloads and provide employees more time to work with families.  Cost for the additional employees would be approximately 4.4 million dollars.

Additional OPEA concerns relate to a child being taken into protective custody.  “Under the proposed law, a DHS representative must be present for a safety analysis before a child can be removed,” Frazier said.  “OPEA has three questions.  First, does DHS have the staff required to conduct immediate assessments in the home?  Second, when the home is marginal does DHS have the staff to monitor the home and be certain improvements are being made?  And third, does DHS have access to adequate services to help families that are on the margins and keep children in their home?”

OPEA/DHS members listen to discussion about child welfare reform

OPEA - OPEA Members Meet with Authors of Child Welfare Reform Bill

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The latest version of HB1734 has passed the Senate Committee in a different form than what was passed in the House.  The bill will go to conference before a final version is sent back through the House and Senate. 

“Ultimately it all comes down to protecting our children,” Frazer said.   “OPEA hopes these funding issues can be addressed, resulting in better care for these kids who need our help.”

Oklahoma Public Employees Association (www.opea.org) is a non-profit labor organization that has represented the interests of state employees at the capitol in Oklahoma since 1975.

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