Senate Bill 200 Summary

• Directs the Office of Juvenile Affairs to establish and implement a foster care program for children in its custody, including recruiting foster families, contracting with foster parents and child-placing agencies, and providing supervision over placements.

• Requires foster placements to meet licensing standards under the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act and rules promulgated by the Board of Juvenile Affairs, with initial and ongoing foster parent training and education programs mandatory.

• Establishes written contract requirements between the Office of Juvenile Affairs and foster care providers, including office access to children, compliance with performance standards, foster parent rights statements, and detailed payment information.

• Shields the Office of Juvenile Affairs from liability for costs or expenses voluntarily incurred by foster parents that exceed authorized funding for foster care services.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2013, with an emergency clause declaring immediate necessity for preservation of public peace, health, and safety.