Smith Named Children and Family Service Director at OKDHS

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Deborah Smith has been named director of the Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and will oversee the state's child welfare and family services programs.
"I have worked with Deb and I am sure she is going to set a new level of achievement in making a difference in the lives of the children and families whose lives OKDHS touches," said Gary Miller, Canadian County District Judge and former CFSD director.

Smith has demonstrated valuable leadership skills in multiple roles within the agency and has expertise in Child and Protective Services, Permanency Planning and Foster Care. She also helped develop and implement Oklahoma's Child Welfare Practice Standards and Enhanced Practice Model. Smith's combination of direct practice experience in rural and metro Oklahoma counties, as well as her working knowledge of all six geographic areas of the state provides great leverage for her to lead us in achieving even better outcomes for Oklahoma's children and families.

"I'm certain that Deborah's magnificent mix of people and professional skills will contribute to improving our outcomes for Oklahoma's children and families," said Marq Youngblood, Chief Operating Officer for OKDHS.

Smith holds a Masters Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Administration, a Bachelors of Arts Degree with a major in Social Work and a minor in Sociology from the University of Oklahoma. From 1999 to 2010, she has been a practicum supervisor for Social Work undergraduate and graduate students for three universities - University of Oklahoma, Northeastern State University, and East Central University.

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