OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Oklahoma is failing our kids: that’s the message echoed at a special meeting at the state capitol on Sept. 16.
Advocates and families are calling on lawmakers for an overarching investigation into the juvenile justice system.
From shocking allegations of waterboarding and other abuse at the Greer Center for disabled Oklahomans in Enid to stories of sexual and other abuse marring the Tulsa County detention center.
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Darrell Dougherty said DHS stripped him of custody of his son because he called to report sexual abuse on a hotline too many times.
“And then they stated under oath that I continue to call the police department when open records now show I never called the police department,” he said.
Rosario Chico believes corruption is rampant within the Department of Human Services. Ironically, she is employed by DHS.
“I have not had my children in almost three years,” she said. “I am hopeful to create change. I still care.”
Legislators heard story after story at the special meeting organized by Representative JJ Humphrey.
“People have lied, people have falsified documents, covered up child sex abuse, fraud,” said Representative Humphrey.
Bill and Lisa Woolley have fought to see their grandson seven years after being accused in another grandson’s murder. Charges were dropped.
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Lisa is frustrated with state juvenile privacy statutes, which often allow agencies to stay quiet.
“No checks or balances and operate in secrecy, and in the dark, nothing good grows in the dark, and sunlight is probably the best purifier,” said Lisa Woolley.
“It is infuriating that they can personally hold the power to what happens to a child, and they have no training, no background, and all the authority,” said Bill Woolley.
Dougherty has fought for six years to get the OSBI to investigate alleged crimes against his son. He’s hopeful lawmakers can finally make it happen.
Exactly when or who would investigate is still unclear. Chico‘s attorney suggests an independent out-of-state investigation into DHS practices.
Appleseed, the nonprofit investigating abuse at the Tulsa County detention center, told lawmakers they believe agencies are overly redacting open records or not completely filling them.
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