Senate Advances Historic Rosino Bill Establishing Department of Child Safety and Well-being

OKLAHOMA CITY- Senate Health and Human Services Chair Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, secured Senate approval today for transformative legislation to establish the Department of Child Safety and Well-being.

Senate Bill 1570 transfers all powers, duties, and functions of the Child Welfare Services Division of the Department of Human Services, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth under the purview of the new department by July 1, 2027.

“These agencies carry out critical work on behalf of our state’s most vulnerable populations,” Rosino said. “However, children require special attention to ensure their safety and that their needs are fully met. Bringing these agencies together under one department will ensure we are laser-focused on serving children, improving how we address their individual needs, and elevating the services provided to them.”

The measure also creates the Board of Child Safety and Well-being to be comprised of nine members with experience in social work, child welfare, children’s behavioral health, juvenile justice, or other relevant fields. Five of the nine members would be appointed by the governor, with the remaining four appointments being made by the President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.

The bill provides that employees of the affected agencies may choose to be transferred to positions within the new department.

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services would be tasked with transferring all funds, equipment, supplies, records, and other property to the Department of Child Safety and Well-being. The consolidation is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact, as appropriations are already directed to the existing entities.

“While there is much work ahead to carry out this transition, I am confident that the establishment of the Department of Child Safety and Well-being will result in better care and services for Oklahoma children. By eliminating duplicative services and streamlining operations, this effort will strengthen outcomes and ensure every child can thrive,” Rosino added.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration, where it is authored by Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa.

-END-

For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.