New DHS lecture looks at potential abuse following natural disasters

Oklahoma City -- In a few short months Oklahoma’s spring severe weather season will be here.  Now in advance of the season, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is taking a look at the heightened potential for violence following a natural disaster.

“Prevention in Practice:  Child Abuse Prevention Following Natural Disaster” is the next installment in the Practice and Policy Lecture Series presented by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). It will be held Tuesday, February 24 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City.

After the tornadoes ripped through central Oklahoma in May, 2013, a new program was designed specifically to respond to the increased threat of violence.  It addresses violence prevention by creating safe situations for child/adult interaction.  It also addresses abuse response through best practices developed in the field of children’s advocacy.

Guest lecturer Clint Williams knows all about child advocacy.  He is the executive director of the Mary Abbot Children’s house, one of more than 750 independent, nationally accredited children’s advocacy centers in the country.  Williams will discuss how natural disasters can lead to increased threats for violence, and ways this new program can anticipate and help prevent cases of abuse.

Williams began his work at the Mary Abbott Children’s House in 2012.  He previously served as executive director of the Xenia Institute.  He has degrees from the University of Oklahoma, and has also worked on the City of Norman’s Human Rights Commission.  In 2014, Williams was elected to the Norman City 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 DHS 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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