Make a Difference: Join the Effort to Establish the Johnston County PARB
By the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth
Media Contact:
Rob Agnew, Public Information Officer
(405) 606-4923
robert.agnew@occy.ok.gov
The opportunity to create lasting change for children in Johnston County is here. The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth invites community members to step up and participate in something impactful by attending an organizational meeting and launch event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the Chickasaw Nation Community Center, 818 E. 6th St., Tishomingo.
Children in the foster care system need dedicated advocates to ensure they receive the protection, care, and services they deserve. Establishing a local Post Adjudication Review Board (PARB) is a critical step in strengthening the support system for these vulnerable children, and volunteers are needed now to make this a reality.
PARBs are made up of compassionate community members who meet monthly to review juvenile court cases, identify challenges to permanency, and provide informed recommendations to the court. Permanency refers to a stable, long-term living situation for a child, ideally through reunification with their biological family, adoption, or legal guardianship. It ensures a child has a legally recognized, permanent family connection where they feel secure and supported. Volunteers play a vital role in advocating for the well-being of children, ensuring they have a strong voice in decisions that impact their futures.
Keynote Speaker & Program Manager
Dr. Carol Bridges, the keynote speaker, is a respected leader in child welfare and social work education. She served as a professor at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, for 35 years, including 16 years as director of the Social Work Program. A dedicated advocate for children, she has been an active member of both local and state Post Adjudication Review Boards (PARBs) for 34 years. Bridges was honored with the 2016 Distinguished Former Faculty Award and holds the title of professor emeritus. Known for her kindness, dedication, and leadership, she has made a lasting impact on the field and is a deserving recipient of the PARB Hall of Fame Award.
“Becoming a PARB volunteer is a powerful way to make a meaningful impact in a child’s life,” Bridges said. “Johnston County’s children deserve strong advocates, and now is the time to step up and make a difference.”
Also speaking at the event is Keith Pirtle, MSW, the Post Adjudication Review Boards program manager at OCCY. With years of experience in child welfare and program development, Pirtle oversees 42 local PARBs and the State PARB, providing training and support to more than 300 volunteers across Oklahoma.
“The need for a Johnston County PARB is urgent, but the solution is within reach,” Pirtle said. “We’re calling on community members to step forward and help shape a better future for children in need.”
Why Johnston County Needs a PARB
Johnston County is one of the few counties in Oklahoma without a PARB. In contrast, 42 other counties have successfully established boards, providing vital oversight and advocacy for children in foster care. These boards have helped remove barriers to permanency, connect children to essential resources, and work closely with the courts to improve outcomes.
Without a local board, Johnston County’s children are at risk of being overlooked in an already strained system. Establishing a PARB here means more children will receive the advocacy and support they need to thrive.
How to Get Involved
Volunteers are the heart of a successful PARB. Those interested must live or work in the judicial district, complete a brief application and background check, and attend training sessions. The commitment is small—just two to three hours per month—but the impact on a child’s future is immeasurable.
This is a chance for community members to step up, take action, and become vital advocates for children in need. The meeting will provide information on how to get involved, the next steps for establishing the board, and an opportunity to ask questions.
RSVP today to confirm attendance.
For more information about the event or the PARB program, contact Keith Pirtle at (405) 606-4922 or keith.pirtle@occy.ok.gov. Additional details about the program can be found at oklahoma.gov/occy/parb_volunteer.