OK HB1349

Department of Human Services must develop and submit by July 1, 2012 a statewide plan to outsource foster care services to private social services agencies, with implementation completed by July 1, 2014.

Plan development requires local community participation including input from current providers and agencies with outsourcing experience, and must include methodology for transferring all available funds including federal funds.

Private agencies managing transferred cases may act as child guardians for school enrollment and emergency medical care in limited circumstances, but cannot consent to sterilization, abortion, or life support termination; Department retains responsibility for permanency outcomes.

Department must develop requirements for participating agencies and not transfer services until agencies demonstrate readiness; for areas where full outsourcing is infeasible (up to 25% of child welfare population), Department must explain reasons and propose alternatives including public-private partnerships.

Quality assurance program based on federal Adoption and Safe Families Act standards and national accrediting organizations must be established, with annual evaluations of contracted programs and independent financial audits to reduce Department administrative reviews.