OKLAHOMA CITY (July 30, 2026) - Oklahoma Human Services is expanding training as part of the agency's vision for Oklahoma to become the safest state in the nation for children, reinforcing a consistent, evidence-informed approach to protecting children and supporting families.

The effort is part of an ongoing revitalization of the Safety Assessment and Family Evaluation (SAFE) Model, a nationally recognized child welfare practice framework that has been used by Oklahoma Human Services for years. Over the past several months, agency leadership has strengthened training, coaching and leadership development to reinforce consistent application of the model. That work will continue in the months ahead, expanding beyond Child Welfare Services to include judges, attorneys and other community partners who play a critical role in child safety decisions.

"The SAFE Model is the common language and shared framework of our workforce for making some of the most important decisions they will ever face," said Michael Williams, Director of Child Welfare Services. "When our staff, parents, judges and partners share the same language and principles for discussing child safety, we create greater consistency in decision-making, strengthen collaboration and better protect children across Oklahoma.”

National experts from Action for Child Protection, the organization that developed the SAFE Model, joined Oklahoma Human Services leaders, supervisors and Child Welfare professionals for statewide leadership training. The partnership focused on reinforcing core practices, strengthening leadership and helping teams apply the model consistently across the state.

The SAFE Model is built around a simple but critical question: Is the child safe?

The model helps Child Welfare professionals assess present and impending danger, understand caregiver protective capacities and develop safety plans that protect children while supporting long-term family stability. It creates a consistent framework for decision-making, supervision and case practice throughout the life of a case.

"Every child deserves to grow up safe, supported and surrounded by opportunity," said Jeffrey Cartmell, Director of Oklahoma Human Services. "Our vision is for Oklahoma to become the safest state in the nation for children. Reaching that goal requires strong leadership, highly trained professionals and a child welfare system that continually learns, improves and holds itself to the highest standard."

The collaboration with Action for Child Protection reflects Oklahoma Human Services' broader commitment to supporting its workforce and building greater consistency in child safety decisions.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected should report their concerns immediately. Reports can be made 24 hours a day by calling the Oklahoma Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-522-3511. Visit OKDHS.org for more information and resources available to children and families across Oklahoma.

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