OK SB1830

Department of Human Services must immediately refer reports of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement when the alleged perpetrator is not responsible for the child's care and the abuse is not attributable to failure of the caregiver to protect the child.

After referral to law enforcement, DHS is not responsible for further investigation unless the perpetrator is a parent or caregiver of another child, law enforcement requests assistance, or DHS has reason to believe the perpetrator has access to other children.

Abuse or neglect allegations involving children in Office of Juvenile Affairs secure facilities must be immediately referred to law enforcement, with DHS having no further investigation responsibility.

The Office of Client Advocacy Advocate General must establish a system to investigate misconduct allegations by caregivers regarding children in OJA custody placed in secure facilities and monitor reporting of abuse allegations to DHS.

The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage and approval.