Office of Client Advocacy
What We Do
The Office of Client Advocacy (OCA) has four essential functions:
- Investigate allegations of abuse or neglect of children living outside a biological home.
Investigate allegations of abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults with disabilities who receive community services.
Maintain a grievance process to ensure foster parents and foster children served by Child Welfare Services are free from retaliation or harassment.
Provide advocacy services for individuals with intellectual disabilities who receive services through Developmental Disabilities Services.
In FY24, OCA advocated in special advocacy cases for 443 individuals with intellectual disabilities. OCA also advocated for 615 former residents of facilities which previously served individuals with disabilities at Hissom Memorial Center in Sand Springs, Northern Oklahoma Resource Center in Enid, and Southern Oklahoma Resource Center in Pauls Valley. Those residents have transitioned to living in communities throughout the state.
OCA ensures former residents continue to receive information, skills and opportunities to achieve full integration and inclusion in society.
Additional Information
Foster Parent Advocacy:
1-866-335-9288
Statewide Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
1-800-522-3511
Note: In May 2024, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation to transfer OCA from Oklahoma Human Services to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, effective Nov. 1, 2024.
