Library: Policy

340:75-1-9.1. Programs and services design, evaluation, and reports

Issued 9-17-18

(a) Program planning and evaluation.The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) defines the purpose, population served, and performance expectations of its children and youth programs.Planning for new programs and services and major modifications to existing ones must include evaluations of their effect on other programs and services, as well as communication and coordination with other public and private children and youth service providers to assure successful and cost-effective implementation.Evaluation that includes monitoring and evaluation of client outcomes must be incorporated into all DHS children and youth programs and services provided by DHS directly or by contract.

(b) Five-year plan.DHS is to develop a five-year plan for children and youth services that includes:

(1) an analysis and evaluation of programs and services continued, established, and discontinued during the reporting period;

(2) a description of programs and services to implement;

(3) statutory changes, when needed;

(4) information about the number of children in DHS custody during the reporting period; and

(5) other information that demonstrates the effectiveness of DHS programs and services.

(c) Legislative placement report.Each year on or before January 31, DHS submits a report to the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Oklahoma Supreme Court that includes information on:

(1) the number of children in DHS custody placed in non-family-like placements including, but not limited to, the placement types used and the duration of children's stays in such placements;

(2) the number of approved foster homes, the number of children placed in them, and a comparative review of foster home room-and-board rates; and

(3) child welfare staff workloads and comparative salaries.