SB 1891 Summary

• Transfers authority to certify children's shelters from the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

• Requires the Office of Juvenile Affairs to establish a shelter certification system in accordance with the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act.

• Directs the Department of Human Services to monitor and report monthly to the Legislature and Governor on shelter population data, including length of stay metrics and placement efforts for children exceeding expected stay limits (5 days for ages 0-5, 15 days for ages 6-10, 30 days for ages 11-18).

• Requires shelters managed by the Department of Human Services to not exceed their licensed capacity and prioritizes placement in kinship care homes and emergency foster care homes over shelter placement whenever possible.

• Takes effect November 1, 2012.