HB 1741 Summary

• Creates family drug court programs for deprived children whose parents have substance abuse disorders, with court discretion to establish programs and Department of Mental Health assistance in implementation.

• Designates psychotropic medications as routine and ordinary medical care that the Department of Human Services can authorize for children in its custody.

• Modifies service of summons requirements in child welfare cases to allow single publication notice instead of requiring three consecutive weeks of publication.

• Authorizes courts to extend trial home reunification periods beyond six months when necessary and permits awarding legal custody with extended supervision (up to six months).

• Allows proceedings under the Oklahoma Children's Code to be conducted via teleconference communication with attorneys physically present when parties appear remotely.