The Oklahoma Pinnacle Plan - Oklahoma Department of Human ...

The Oklahoma Pinnacle Plan:
An Improvement Plan for Child Welfare Services
March 2012
Year Five (SFY 2017)
19. Over a five-year period, beginning in Year One, incrementally increase pay for child
welfare staff so that salaries are more competitive with other states. A salary increase
alone is not likely to bring about the changes needed in the Oklahoma child welfare
system; however, OKDHS is in a workforce crisis. For the past year, it's been very
difficult to attract an adequate pool of eligible candidates. It is also challenging to retain
the best staff in such a complex and challenging field when the salaries are not
competitive.
Pinnacle Point 4
We must use the practice model to achieve timely and appropriate
permanency outcomes for all children in our care.
WHY FOCUS ON THE PRACTICE MODEL?
An effective practice model defines how child welfare staff engages families, youth and the
community in developing and delivering a continuously evolving array of services that meets
the unique needs of those served by the agency and leads to desired outcomes. The practice
model includes practice standards (see Appendix D) and identifies ways in which evidenceinformed
strategies can help front-line staff understands and ameliorates the root causes of
maltreatment. The practice model defines how outcomes are measured both quantitatively
and qualitatively. Once developed, a practice model is based in accepted standards of
professional social work practice, strong values, and serves as a touchstone in times of change.
The practice model that appropriately sets principles, values, and capacities necessary to
accomplish OKDHS’ mandate provides stability in the face of changes in leadership and other
crises; it does not change along with them.
WHAT PERFORMANCE AREAS WILL THIS IMPACT?
Oklahoma’s practice model is built on child safety, family engagement, and critical thinking.
These fundamental areas link to all of the performance areas. By fully implementing the
practice model, OKDHS will continue improving engagement of families through initial
meetings, family team meetings, ongoing assessment, and transition planning. This focus on
the family (biological, extended family, informal support, and non-relative placements) along
with the focus on the best interest of the child will result in improved safety and permanency
for children. It is only by engaging everyone close to the child and family that child welfare
staff will find the most appropriate permanency option for a child and help that child and
family prepare for the future.
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