Library: Policy
340:75-6-89. Travel and transportation of children and families
Revised 9-17-18
(a) Travel outside Oklahoma.The child in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) custody may travel outside Oklahoma with the placement provider or a DHS-approved person.
(1) Prior DHS approval is not required for the child to accompany the placement provider or DHS-approved person when travel does not involve an overnight stay.
(2) When travel involves an overnight stay, the placement provider contacts DHS for approval prior to the child's travel outside Oklahoma.
(b) Travel outside the United States.DHS and judicial approval is required before the child in DHS custody travels outside the United States.
(c) Transportation of children and familiesfor placement or community-based services.The child welfare specialist is authorized to transport children and families as long as the transportation is part of the specialist's duties and all other transportation options were considered and ruled out, per Oklahoma Administrative Code 340:75-1-32.
INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-6-89
Revised 11-1-18
1. Prior approval required for child's overnight stay outside Oklahoma. The procedures in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection are followed prior to approval or denial of the travel request. The child welfare (CW) specialist:
(1) determines that travel will not interfere with family visitation, court dates, or other essential case requirements;
(2) obtains the destination address, phone number, and return date;
(3) completes Form 04FC013E, Out-of-State or Out-of-Country Travel and Medical Authorization for Placement Provider or Non-Placement Provider Caregiver, when the request for travel out-of-state or outside of the United States is approved, and gives it to the placement provider, approved individual, or child; and
(4) informs the placement provider, approved individual, or child that Form 04FC013E is to remain in his or her possession during the travel.
(A) When the child is in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) emergency or temporary custody, the parent's signature is obtained on the form authorizing overnight travel.
(i) When the parent's signature cannot be obtained and the court of jurisdiction does not require notification for in-country travel, the district director's or designee's signature is acceptable.
(ii) Efforts to obtain the parent's signature are documented in the KIDS Contacts screen.
(iii) When the parent objects to the travel and there is not a compelling health or well-being need for the travel, every effort is made to make alternative arrangements to avoid travel outside of the state.
(B) When the child is in DHS permanent custody and the court of jurisdiction does not require notification of in-country travel, the district director's or designee's signature is obtained.
(C) The court of jurisdiction approves all travel outside the United States.
2.Guidance on transporting children and families is located in Oklahoma Administrative Code 340:75-1-32.
