DHS Fall Lecture Series Begins with a look at Child Trauma in Native American Culture

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) begins its Fall Lecture Series with a look at trauma suffered by children--specifically Native American/Alaska-Native children.  Statistically speaking, those children are more likely to suffer mental health difficulties, face poverty, physical, emotional and sexual abuse more than other ethnic categories.

Dolores Subia BigFoot, Ph.D., is a child psychologist who has been at the forefront of evidence-based treatment, which has proven to be a great success with mental health outcomes for children who have experienced trauma.  Bigfoot will discuss her findings and offer solutions during the lecture, being held Thursday, August 29 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

Dr. Bigfoot has 30 years of experience and is knowledgeable about the concerns of implementing and adapting evidence-based practices into Indian Country.  She has a keen sense of awareness about the research, mental health, and sovereignty issues raised by tribes and tribal organizations.

She is an associate professor directing the Native American Programs at the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect at OU’s Health Sciences Center.  Bigfoot has served as the principle investigator on 13 federally-funded projects, and has been recognized for her service on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council.

The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the OKDHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. 

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552 or visit the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website 

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