Recent News Releases

A total of 25 civic organizations and 135 individuals have signed on to a letter to Oklahoma’s members of Congress expressing concern about the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed recently by the U.S. House of Representatives. The organizations and individuals are among those “charged with protecting and improving the quality of life for several marginalized communities in Oklahoma,” they wrote. Specifically, they asked federal lawmakers to “do all you can to protect funding for Medicaid, SNAP, FEMA and other critical life-saving services supporting Oklahoma’s children in need.” The group noted that they “support efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse of programs, we encourage you to not slash essential services supporting children.” The cuts to Medicaid in the federal legislation received the most attention from the advocates, as they noted the program is “critical to the long-term health of Oklahomans.” The letter goes on to say that “(m)ore than a million Oklahomans, one-fourth of our population – are enrolled in SoonerCare (the state’s Medicaid program). The split between adult and child enrollees is fairly equal, with 47 percent adults and 53 percent children.” The advocates noted, “protection of Medicaid funding is wholly consistent with each of your stated views regarding the birth of children. In fact, Medicaid pays for more than half of Oklahoma births and covers 47% of all Oklahoma children. It is no exaggeration to suggest that Oklahoma’s future depends on the protection of Medicaid funding.” The campaign to sign on to the letter was coordinated by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), in concert with Child Focus, a national organization that shares much of its mission with OICA. “This letter is a chance to remind our Senators and Representatives about how families in Oklahoma benefit from Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical support services in particular, and the impact of cuts to Medicaid on children and families in the child welfare system,” wrote Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO.  The “Big Beautiful Bill,” as it is called, is slated to be taken up by members of the U.S. Senate this week after having passed the House of Representatives by a single vote before the Memorial Day recess. Dorman noted that it was important to get the letter into lawmakers’ hands this week as the bill continues to be considered. “There is hardly any Oklahoman that will not in some way be impacted by this bill,” Dorman said. “Whether it is rural families who may lose a hospital in their community, or a hungry child who will not be able to get food, this bill’s impact is virtually universal across the state.” To read the full letter, and the names of the organizations and individual who signed it, go to https://tinyurl.com/LTCOICA6-3 . In conclusion, Dorman suggested every Oklahoman who may have thoughts on parts, or all of the legislation, should reach out to our federal delegation. “Our elected officials work for us,” he said. “Therefore, it is our responsibility to give them instructions on the kind of state and nation we want. Again, they are public servants.” To get federal lawmakers’ contact information, go to https://tinyurl.com/OKCongDel .

Each summer, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) holds its annual Heroes Ball to celebrate champions for children. Among the awards presented are two that are chosen by the people: The Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards for Child Advocacy. The award is named in honor of Anne Roberts, OICA’s longest serving CEO; it recognizes outstanding service to Oklahoma’s children by an individual and an organization, as nominated and voting on by the people. The process begins with nominations, which are open to the public. Following the nomination period, which runs from now through June 6, the OICA Board of Directors narrows the list a select few to put forward for an online public vote by Oklahomans. To nominate either an individual or an organization, go to https://oica.org and click on “Awards.” You can also go directly to https://tinyurl.com/OICA25PeoplesChoice . (A QR Code is also provided for publication.) “This award is fully in the hands of those interested in child advocacy in the state of Oklahoma,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “The list of previous winners reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of Oklahoma Child Advocates.” Previous winners of the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Organizational Award are: · 2017 – Whiz Kids Oklahoma · 2018 – Peppers Ranch · 2019 – Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care · 2020 – Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma · 2021 – SoonerStart · 2022 – Fostering Connections · 2023 – Sara’s Project · 2024 – The Anna’s House Foundation Those individuals who have won the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Individual Award are: · 2017 – Brenda Lene’ · 2018 – Cody Inman · 2019 – Judy Payne · 2020 – Ryan Abernathy · 2021 – Melissa Ahlgrim · 2022 – Amber Cuyler · 2023 – Alethea Satterwhite · 2024 – Mary Beth Talley After the nominations close at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 6, finalists will be announced shortly thereafter, and online voting will begin on OICA’s website. Those in attendance at OICA’s Heroes Ball on Saturday, July 26 will receive a final paper ballot to help finish off the voting. Winners will be announced at the Heroes Ball, held this year at the OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City. Tickets to the Heroes Ball are on sale and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/OICA25HBTix . 

“This is a great victory for Oklahoma’s students with special needs,” said Joe Dorman, CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA). Dorman was speaking about the fact that Senate Bill 364 became law today, without the governor’s signature. SB 364 makes it illegal for schools to use corporal punishment for certain students with special needs under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Gov. Kevin Stitt neither signed nor vetoed the bill, meaning that – under a provision in Oklahoma’s Constitution called "pocket passage"– it has become law. While the Legislature is in session up until their final five days of business, if a governor neither signs nor vetoes a bill within five business days, such a measure nonetheless becomes law. “We are grateful that Governor Stitt allowed the ban on the use of corporal punishment on children with special needs to become law,” Dorman said. “This was a top priority of OICA this session, and the culmination of years of work by many dedicated child advocates across the state.” One of the leaders of that coalition, Carolynn Macallister of Payne County, was quick to praise the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, for their hard work to get the bill passed. “ On behalf of the coalition, I am very thankful that students with special needs are protected thanks to the dedicated work of these leaders and legislators in both the House of Representatives and Senate who voted for the bill,” Macallister said. It was a coalition of 24 organizations from across the state that came together to end the practice of inflicting physical pain on students with special needs, some of whom might not have understood why they were being punished. Only a few dozen school districts still allowed physical punishment on special needs students. “This was a manifestation of their needs and prevented them from getting their legally required fair and appropriate education,” Macallister said. “The stories we heard from parents were heartbreaking, with some of their special needs children being punished without the parents’ permission.” Dorman said the stories echoed the events which led to the creation of OICA more than forty years ago. “OICA was created as a response to the state maintaining a system of abuse on children in its custody, to ensure that something like that is never repeated,” he said. “Now we know that these special needs students will be treated properly, and their parents can rest easy.” While ending the practice of corporal punishment on special needs students in school, the bill does not impact parents’ right to discipline their children in whatever manner they deem appropriate under the law, nor does current Oklahoma law prevent school districts from using corporal punishment on other students. Macallister thanked former state Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, who first carried the legislation two years ago. Dorman noted that former state Sen. Kay Floyd, D-OKC, was the original Senate sponsor. As Macallister summed it up, “I just thank God that we got it done.” 

Oklahoma’s Kid Governor® for 2024-2025 is Emma Stephens (center) of Ardmore’s Oak Hill Episcopal School. She is pictured here with her cabinet following her swearing in at the Oklahoma State Capitol. With her are (from left) Alberuto Harmon of Perry; Clayton Rohia of Roff; Shawn Farrell, Kid Lieutenant Governor, of Orlando; Koda White of Vici; Lawson Ream of Alva; Ryan Young of Chickasha; and Harper Witt of Antlers. The Kid Governor® is a program administered by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) designed to teach fifth grade students about the importance of civic engagement. Teaching materials are provided, and the annual Kid Governor® election is conducted on ballots that resemble real ballot. This year, OICA coordinated with the state’s 4-H Program. For 2025-2026, the program will return to fifth grade classrooms. (Courtesy Photo) As Teacher Appreciation Week begins, registration is now open for Oklahoma’s fifth grade teachers to sign up for their class to participate in the award-winning Kid Governor® program. Teachers can register at the following website: https://tinyurl.com/KG25-26Teachers and parents of children who will be entering the fifth grade are encouraged to share this information with those teachers in public, private, and charter school classrooms. Home school families are also allowed to use these materials to help educate students. The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) ran its own Kid Governor for six years prior to partnering with the national Kid Governor® program in 2022. This program originated in Connecticut and has expanded to other states. The purpose of Kid Governor® is to educate students about elections and the role of elected officials. “Every Oklahoma fifth grader in a classroom has the opportunity to learn about government through this program so long as their teachers sign up for the program,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “Oklahoma’s teachers will have access to an array of materials to help students learn the importance of democracy and our republic and the role they can play in it.” Dorman went on to emphasize there in no indoctrination in the Kid Governor® curriculum. There are only lesson plans describing the process of elections and duties of government officials so that the students can be better prepared to be fully involved citizens as they age into adulthood and hopefully become active voters. At the beginning of the new school year in August, OICA will contact those who have registered and make another push for teachers to sign up for the program. The Oklahoma Kid Governor® program will officially kick off in October, and the election will be during the time of the traditional November election window. Those fifth-grade classrooms that are participating can also participate in the enhanced program which allows them to enter one student candidate into a statewide election based upon a local classroom election. Each student candidate will pick an issue on which to run, and the classroom will vote for their favorite. The winner will then make a two-minute campaign video which can be submitted into the statewide competition. A panel comprised of Oklahoma’s former governors – George Nigh, David Walters, Frank Keating, Brad Henry, and Mary Fallin - and OICA board members will narrow the finalists down to seven candidates. “Each of these incredible leaders has given of their time to review the submissions, and they have invited people to help support this program to ensure it is free for the participating schools,” Dorman said. “Any Oklahoman who wishes to join these governors in helping fund the program can learn more at https://oica.org or by contacting our office.” The campaign videos for the top seven selected will be shared with each participating classroom. The students will cast their vote on ballots that resemble the actual Oklahoma ballots. The candidate receiving the most votes will serve as the next Oklahoma Kid Governor®. The winner serves a one-year term promoting leadership and advocacy, working with OICA to fulfill their campaign platform while mobilizing students to take action and make a difference on youth issues. The remaining six finalists will serve as members of the Kid Cabinet, working with the Kid Governor to raise awareness on their platform issues. Toolkits consisting of free, custom-designed lesson plans will guide classroom teachers through the program and teach students about state government in their state, the history and process of voting, and the importance of active participation in civic life. OICA is underwriting the cost of the program through donations and additionally provides an educational comic book Mighty Mia and Dyna-Bit Save Democracy for each student to have that was written by Dorman. Because of the extra effort required of teachers, OICA is raising funds to provide a stipend to those teachers register and complete the enhanced Kid Governor® program that includes the election component. “The Kid Governor® program inspires students to be involved in the process and hopefully become lifelong agents of change for the better, maybe even running for Governor of Oklahoma someday,” Dorman said. “If young people are given ane opportunity to learn these lessons at an early age, they will grow into the leaders that will shape our tomorrow.”  For more information about how you can help the Kid Governor® program, contact OICA at info@oica.org or call (405) 236-KIDS (5437).

Joe Dorman, CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) responded to a news release announcing that Oklahoma Human Services has been released from the Pinnacle Plan and is no long subject to the oversight of child welfare monitors. “We at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy welcome this news and applaud the improvement made at Oklahoma Human Services through the years under the Pinnacle Plan court order,” Dorman said. “And personally, as a lawmaker who supported the series of legislation which implemented the standards which DHS had to follow under this plan, I am extremely happy to see this come to successful culmination.” “OICA was created to be an outside watchdog on state government in matters relating to child well-being due to an earlier court case, the Terry D. Lawsuit. We look forward to working with Oklahoma Human Services to assist with their promise to ‘continue working with community partners, legislators, and other stakeholders to maintain transparency and ensure Oklahoma families have the resources they need for lifelong success,” said Dorman. “We never want to return to a place where another such action is needed to protect children placed in these systems. We remind officials that although progress has been made, we have a long way to go before we end the trauma experienced by Oklahoma's children. We encourage lawmakers to continue to invest in education, healthcare, and family support programs that stabilize Oklahoma's fragile families.” 

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is looking for leaders who are improving the lives of children within the state of Oklahoma. The purpose, according to CEO Joe Dorman, is to develop a “deep bench” of people working to improve the lives of children by connecting them and working together to improve the conditions often faced by the youth of our state. “We know there are countless Oklahomans working every day to improve the lives of our state’s children,” Dorman said. “What we hope to do is develop a network of those individuals and partner with them to boost all our mutual efforts to truly make Oklahoma the best place for a child to grow up.” To that end, OICA has placed on their website at https://oica.org a survey with which Oklahomans can recommend thought leaders for this purpose. The purpose is to grow OICA’s database of advocates statewide to invite them to collaborate on child policies and find solutions to the often-negative statistics faced by our state. OICA hosts Fall Forum, a conference where each year’s “Children’s Legislative Agenda” is developed to further policies and laws in our state which benefit children, and the Legislative Learning Lab, where advocates can learn the ins and outs of the Oklahoma Legislature and how to be a more effective voice for children. “This effort is a perfect way to further accomplish our stated mission,” said Dorman. “Our purpose, and one at which we have been successful, is to ‘create awareness, take action, and change policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children. Even with that success, we realize there is much, much more which needs to happen.’ “And there is no more noble effort than to make the future a little bit brighter for the most vulnerable among us, our children,” said Dorman. “By assembling the brightest minds who want to work on behalf of children, together we can do that much more.” 

As Oklahoma lawmakers request bills for the 2025 legislative session, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) has finalized its 2025 Children’s Legislative Agenda and delivered it to them. Approved by the OICA Board of Directors, the agenda outlines the organization’s priorities and presents lawmakers with a roadmap to improve conditions for Oklahoma’s children. “Advocates from across the state came together in late November during our annual Fall Forum to discuss a wide range of issues relating to children,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “While this is an ambitious agenda, we believe each component of it is critical to improving the lives of our most important resource. This document represents the recommendations made by advocates and our Board of Directors.” The entire agenda is available to the public on our website and can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/25OICALEGAG .” From the input from child advocates, the OICA Board of Directors considered the suggestions and coalesced them into recommendations divided into four specific categories: Support programs and services for foster families and biological parents and guardians. Accessibility to health-related services and programs. Learning loss and educational opportunities for children. Addressing childcare needs. The recommendations include a specific focus on improving services to foster and biological families in rural areas, while encouraging partnerships with private sector agencies. Increased stipends and reimbursement rates for foster care are also a foundation of the recommendations, as is mental health and trauma support. The organization also advocates for legal reforms and enhanced support for biological families, stating that reunification with biological families should be celebrated along with adoption. The organization also suggests integrating school-based social workers would enhance access to essential services and promote student wellbeing. In addition, the increased availability of health services would address inequities in care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Both the learning loss among students in the wake of the pandemic and the annual learning loss during the summer break were addressed by advocates. Among the suggestions was to enhance school readiness among students entering school for the first time, and to prioritize funding for teacher support, smaller class sizes and paraprofessionals. Additionally, eliminating corporal punishment for students in special needs classifications and reducing the use of out-of-school suspensions was prioritized. In short, the advocates asserted, “Providing safer, more supportive environments fosters positive student outcomes.” The continued shortage of childcare also received the advocates’ attention. “Improving access to childcare resources strengthens family stability and child development,” the agenda document asserts. In addition, a focus on ensuring “the safety of foster families, providers, and Oklahoma Human Services workers from biological familial threats is paramount to maintaining effective care systems” was included in the agenda. The final recommendations were to strengthen oversight of childcare facilities in Oklahoma and increasing the Office of Juvenile System Oversight’s authority to conduct periodic inspections of privately operated children's facilities is essential to ensure accountability, safety, and quality care for vulnerable children. Release of the annual Children’s Legislative Agenda is the final action the organization takes each year in preparation for the next and is a critical duty of the organization, established the organization to be an independent watchdog on state government in the aftermath of the child welfare scandal brought to light in the Gannett report, “Oklahoma Shame.” That report can be found on OICA’s website. To kick off the new year, OICA will host its Legislative Learning Lab in late January to help advocates understand the complex procedures of the Oklahoma Legislature. That event will culminate on the opening day of the 2025 session, when Governor Stitt will present is “State of the State” address. The organization’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol will be on March 11. To register for these events and stay up to date with the latest information on the organization’s child advocacy efforts, go to the OICA website at https://oica.org .

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is once again assisting Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) with their Holiday Hope program to provide support for foster youth in the state, according to Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. Seven years ago, OICA took over the nonprofit OK Foster Wishes, which provided fulfillment of wish lists submitted by foster children for the gifts they would like to receive, similar to children sending a letter to Santa Claus. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the program for collecting toys and distributing them through county OHS offices was shifted to collecting gift cards for the foster families and bridge parents to purchase the gifts themselves for the children. This program assists not only the children in foster care, but also those families who have taken children into their homes until reunification can happen with the biological parents. There are nearly 6,000 children in foster care across the state, with those families receiving various levels of support to care for the youth in their homes. The need is great because as of 2024, the OHS foster care reimbursement rates for the costs associated with the care of a child in their home have not changed in several years. The reimbursement is to be used for food, clothing, shelter, school supplies, personal incidentals, and reasonable travel. As you can see, this amount does not leave much left for also providing gifts over the holiday season. The rates are as follows: Age 0–5: $17.72 per day. Age 6–12: $20.42 per day. Age 13+: $22.62 per day. These rates are per day and are subject to change. OHS pays the foster care rates directly to the family. Other rates include that can be applied above the basic daily rate include Therapeutic Foster Care at $19.76 per day Therapeutic Foster Care serves children aged 3-18 with special psychological, social, behavioral, and emotional needs who thrive in a family setting, but who require intensive or therapeutic services than those found in traditional foster care. “OICA has created a link for individuals to directly donate to the program,” Dorman said. “This allows us to partner with local banks to fill gift cards which OHS will then deliver to the families.” Go to https://tinyurl.com/OICAHH to donate to this program. If you would like to directly support a child through a program offering fulfillment of gifts, we suggest reaching partners of the Holiday Hope program, such as Fostering Connections in northeast Oklahoma. Their site is https://www.fosteringconnectionsok.org/fostering-joy and you can choose a variety of options to help. 

Nominate Someone Deserving at  https://www.oica.org/fall-award-nominations