$4.2 million was provided for statewide expansion of the Children First child abuse prevention program, which was initiated in 1996. Beginning January 1, 1998, the nurse home-visitation program for new families will begin expanding statewide. The program, currently funded at $1.1 million, now serves 4 counties.

$500,000 was appropriated to the Health Department for the Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention Grant program. The 32% funding increase will bring to $2.1 million the amount of state prevention grants received by local communities.

$218,000 was appropriated to the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, including:

• $86,000 to expand the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA) to every judicial district. Currently only 20 districts are served by CASA.
  
   
• $32,000 for the Post-Adjudication Review Board Association, which reviews treat ment cases for children in out-of-home placements. The funds will help train all PARBA volunteer members.
  
   
• $100,000 for costs of HB 1391, the Coordination of Children Services Act. The law requires OCCY and other agencies serving children to coordinate their data and develop a joint application system for all state children's services.

$135,000 was appropriated to the State Health Department for contracts with programs in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Lawton which intervene with troubled youth.

$30,000 was provided to the State Health Department to promote locally funded summer programs for youth in rural areas.