Oklahoma is facing a hidden crisis. While much attention is rightly paid to improving education standards and economic opportunities in the state, there remains an often-overlooked population of young people facing immense challenges – those in DHS or OJA custody. These agencies are tasked with providing care and rehabilitation for minors who have suffered abuse, neglect, or have engaged in delinquency. However, the reality is that many of these already vulnerable youths do not receive the comprehensive support they critically need.
The Scope of the Problem
In 2018 alone, over 16,000 youth came into DHS custody in Oklahoma due to abuse or neglect situations at home. Nearly 3,000 adolescents were held in OJA facilities for offenses ranging from violent crimes to probation violations. While these numbers have declined moderately in recent years, Oklahoma continues to have one of the highest rates of youth in custody nationally.
The trauma that lands these young people in state care shapes much of their future outcomes. Minors in DHS or OJA custody are far more likely to suffer from mental illness, substance abuse, and chronic medical conditions compared to peers. For example, over 60% of youth in juvenile detention nationwide need substance abuse treatment, versus just 9% of the general adolescent population. The cycles of violence or neglect that brought them into custody often continue into adulthood. Former foster youth have high rates of early pregnancy, homelessness, incarceration, and poverty.
Despite the elevated risks this population faces, caring for these vulnerable youth has not been prioritized. Budget cuts and high staff turnover plague DHS and OJA year after year. Staff shortages in these agencies leave caseworkers overwhelmed with high caseloads. Mental health and rehabilitation services are often inadequate or absent for those in custody. The average time youth spend in DHS custody has risen to nearly 2 years, well over the federal recommendation of 12 to 15 months before placement in a permanent home. It is clear that more must be done to support the mental health, stability, and community reintegration of at-risk youth under state care.
Urgency for Change
Progress has admittedly been made in some areas relating to Oklahoma’s foster care crisis. DHS has focused recently on child welfare reform after facing litigation for systemic failures. New policies aim to reduce reliance on congregate care facilities in favor of family-based placements. Foster families are now eligible for a clothing allowance for youth in their care. The age for transitional living services was also rightly expanded to better support those aging out of custody. However, lasting change remains slow for those dependent on the system.
Further action must be taken immediately and decisively. Mental and behavioral health issues left unaddressed in adolescence become far more challenging in adulthood. The longer youth remain cut off from permanent families and community connections, the worse their isolation and hopelessness grow. The reality is that far too many young people age out of state custody into homelessness, addiction, exploitation, or other adverse outcomes that could have been prevented.
Investing in evidence-based mental health treatment, diversified housing options, and supportive case management provides a much-needed lifeline to youth who cannot safely remain with biological families. It also pays dividends to society at large. Studies show that every dollar directed to family-based foster care over restrictive residential facilities saves taxpayers nearly $2.50 in lowered costs for health issues, homelessness, and crime down the road. The bottom line – properly caring for vulnerable youth is not only a moral imperative but also fiscally prudent for Oklahoma’s future.
The Need for Specialized Care
Well-intended child welfare reforms are one important step but do not fully address the unique needs of older youth and those in the criminal justice system. The short-term, generalized approach common in many group homes and detention centers fail to provide the depth of care necessary. Lasting change requires consistent, individualized therapy and case management even after state custody ends.
Specialized service providers are making this long-term approach possible for Oklahoma’s most high-risk youth. Organizations like New Day Recovery Family and Youth Services tailor interventions to identify and treat root causes behind destructive tendencies. Their programs confront past trauma, build life skills, and cultivate family and community bonds to prevent isolation. Facilities provide clients structure and supervision without feeling penalized. This empathetic support makes all the difference in whether vulnerable youth become healthy, productive adults or remain trapped in a cycle of failure.
Oklahomans Supporting Oklahomans
Homegrown organizations led by mental health professionals right here in Oklahoma understand our state’s unique needs. The passion to uplift the community and see young people thrive permeates their work. New Day Recovery Family and Youth Services sets the gold standard with over 20 years of local advocacy.
Since 1998, New Day Recovery has delivered individual, group, couples, and family therapy to marginalized youth. Their scope of trauma-informed care also includes psychiatric services, case management, skills building, and community reintegration support. New Day Recovery takes pride in welcoming clients with open arms, and meeting them where they are emotionally without judgment. Walking alongside youth on their healing journey requires listening first with empathy and cultural awareness before building them back up holistically.
This therapeutic approach has the flexibility to serve adolescents in diverse situations, including those who identify as LGBTQ+ or come from minority backgrounds. New Day Recovery has expanded from very humble beginnings as a two-person operation to a robust agency accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Their passionate clinical team has grown to over 30 licensed therapists and specialists certified in mental health modalities and interventions proven to create lasting change for clients.
In addition to direct clinical services, New Day Recovery partners extensively with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, juvenile justice facilities, community mental health centers, and schools. Expanding capacity for family-based alternatives to restrictive custodial care remains a priority in their advocacy. New Day Recovery also provides no-cost parenting support groups that welcome caregivers navigating the foster system. These warm, non-judgmental gatherings build connections between adults caring for and reunifying with young people in custody.
Glimmers of Hope Ahead
Reform in any bureaucratic system does not happen quickly, but the tides may be shifting for Oklahoma’s youth. Alongside New Day Recovery and similar local stakeholders, state agencies are making promising strides. The recent Family First Prevention Act enacted at the federal level is driving more child welfare dollars into mental health services and family-focused programs rather than simply crisis management. Oklahoma DHS launched 3 new mobile crisis intervention teams last year, aiming to de-escalate outbursts that might otherwise end in arrest.
Most encouraging is the sense of urgency and moral responsibility coming straight from young people impacted by the system. Youth groups like OK Foster Wishes are inspiring change through activism and peer support for those in custody. Others now work within agencies like DHS, bringing their firsthand experience to craft sensible reforms for the next generation.
Oklahomans helping fellow Oklahomans – that is what lasting change is made of. There is still much work left to do but a shared commitment to uplifting youth in crisis. No young person’s odds should be so starkly stacked against them simply because of past circumstances outside their control. With dedicated advocates by their side, we can make the health and redemption of youth in custody more than just a crisis but a story of hope.
Join Us Today
The resilience of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable youth depends on dedicated people willing to walk alongside them. We all have a role to play – as caseworkers, respite families, donors, mental health professionals, or community partners. Our unified commitment and voice fuel this life-changing work forward.
If you or someone you love currently serves youth involved in DHS or OJA custody, you are not alone. New Day Recovery Family and Youth Services has over 20 years of experience providing counseling, rehabilitation, and advocacy tailored specifically for adolescents from hard places. Their compassionate team welcomes referrals and inquiries about their trauma-informed programs.
Reform starts at the grassroots with people like you. Get involved by volunteering or partnering your organization with the mission. Support life-changing services through financial contributions for supplies and treatment costs uncovered by state contracts.
Do you or your child need an empathetic advocate to walk with you on your healing journey? Let New Day Recovery be that refuge. Call +1 (405)-525-0452 or visit https://www.newdayok.org/ to schedule a consultation today. Their personalized approach rebuilds family bonds, life skills, and youth well-being from a place of hope.
This is our chance to change the story for the better. There are young people longing for champions today. By acting now, we help brighten the landscape for future generations.