OKDHS releases revised version of the Oklahoma Pinnacle Plan

Oklahoma City -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) “Pinnacle Plan” has undergone several revisions since its first unveiling March 30, 2012. Today, a new version of the plan has been submitted to the Co-Neutrals for their review. 

The Pinnacle Plan is an outline of improvements the OKDHS will make in targeted areas of the state’s Child Welfare System. It will serve as a guideline for the agency to follow as it works to improve the care of Oklahoma’s foster children.

The plan was revised after feedback from the plaintiffs, co-neutrals, legislators, Governor’s staff, OKDHS Commission members, and OKDHS staff. The plan contains minor revisions that ensure clarity of the goals and initiatives. Some changes were made to move initiatives forward in Years One and Two, such as ensuring children under two are not placed in shelters and the supervisor training/mentoring program is developed earlier.

During the next 45 days, the plaintiffs and co-neutrals will once again review the document and the co-neutrals will either endorse or not endorse the Pinnacle Plan. If endorsed, OKDHS will finalize the baselines and metrics over the next several months. If not endorsed, the co-neutrals can modify the plan to meet their expectations as outlined in the Settlement Agreement. During the approval process, OKDHS and the co-neutrals will begin the work of establishing baselines and targets along with the data experts. 

“Today we submitted the next version of the Pinnacle Plan,” said Deborah G. Smith, Director of the OKDHS Children and Family Services Division. “We hope this becomes the final version.  We have made some minor adjustments, and believe this plan will provide a valuable outline with which we can operate in the years to come. We are ready for an approved plan so we can begin implementation.”

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