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

The Oklahoma Pinnacle Plan:
An Improvement Plan for Child Welfare Services
March 2012
care placement, OKDHS office, or other non-family like setting. Any exceptions must
be approved by the regional director and documented in the child’s case file. A
monthly report must be provided to the division director of any exceptions.
18. By June 30, 2014, no child shall be placed in a congregate care placement unless there
are specific findings documented in the child’s file, that: (a) the child’s needs cannot be
met in any other type of placement; (b) the child’s needs can be met in the specific
facility requested; and (c) the facility is the least restrictive placement to meet the
child’s needs. A description of the services available in the facility to address the
individual child’s needs must be documented in the case file. The CFSD Resource Unit
must approve the placement and select the placement that best meets the child’s
needs. The need for placement shall be reassessed every 90 days, and no child shall
remain in congregate care placement for more than six months without approval of the
Resource Unit program manager. No child shall remain in congregate care placement
for more than 12 months without the approval of the Resource Unit program
administrator. All approvals must address items a-c in this paragraph and must be
documented in the case file.
19. By June 30, 2014, shelter care is used only for short-term placement for youth 13 years
of age and older, and appropriate placement is made within 30 days. Regional directors
must approve stays beyond 30 days, and a report is made each month to the division
director for any youth in shelter care for more than 30 days.
Year Three (SFY 2015)
20. By July 1, 2014, OKDHS creates a statewide matching process for children in need of
placements and available homes for children. This is an information technology (IT)
solution that would go beyond the matching process accomplished during Year One.
21. By December 31, 2014, OKDHS increases the percentage of children who receive
trauma screenings at entry into out-of-home care. If the screening is positive, the child
is referred for a trauma assessment, and if indicated is referred for services. The
information from the assessment is provided to the child’s resource parents and
therapist. This will be accomplished statewide in accordance with the five-year
implementation plan at Appendix D.
22. By December 31, 2014, OKDHS increases the number of cases where a family team
meeting is held for the purpose of preventing placement changes for children.
Year Five (SFY 2017)
23. Over a five-year period, beginning in Year One, incrementally increase reimbursement
rates for resource parents to more closely align with the "Hit the Marc" standards. A
monthly reimbursement rate covers the cost of caring for a child including food,
clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, and a child’s personal incidentals.
OKDHS realizes that a rate increase alone is not likely to improve the recruitment or
retention of families; however, it will demonstrate Oklahoma's commitment to caring
for our most vulnerable children and the families who care for them. It's the right thing
to do.
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