State Health Dept releases Child Abuse Prevention plan

Oklahoma suffers one of the highest incidences of child abuse and neglect in the nation. To help combat that the State Department of Health (OSDH) today released the 2019-2023 Oklahoma State Plan for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect with the help of citizens, stakeholders and critical community partners. The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) approved the plan, in accordance with state law.

“Child abuse and neglect is a complex issue,” said OSDH Grant Coordinator Sherie Trice. “Information was gathered statewide to ascertain current services and gaps, identify geographical areas with greatest need, pinpoint supports that are most valued, and further assess family needs and how those needs can be addressed. We sought what works best in protecting children in communities across the state.”

Input was obtained statewide from nearly 1,000 survey responses, plus additional feedback from Community Cafés and other stakeholder discussions and meetings.

The focus of the survey was on awareness, availability, and use of community resources that target identified risk factors for child maltreatment. The information obtained provided officials with insight about community-specific programs individuals are aware of and use, as well as additional resources they feel are needed.

To access and download the plan, the data or details of the survey methodology, visit: https://go.usa.gov/xPfJQ

For questions or more information about the State Plan for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, contact the OSDH Family Support and Prevention office by phone at (405) 271-7611.