Okla. Stat. tit. 10A, § 10A-1-9-120v2

A. The Office of Client Advocacy and child-placing agencies

shall each establish grievance procedures for foster parents with

whom the Department of Human Services or child-placing agencies

contract. The Office of Client Advocacy shall work with the Office

of Juvenile System Oversight to track foster parent complaints

through the grievance procedures and ensure a resolution of the

complaint.

B. The procedures established shall contain the following

minimum requirements:

1. Resolution of disputes with foster parents shall be

accomplished quickly, informally and at the lowest possible level,

but shall provide for access to impartial arbitration by management

level personnel within the central office;

2. Prompt resolution of grievances no more than sixty (60) days

after receipt of the grievance or complaint; and

3. Notification to all foster parents upon placement of a child

about the grievance procedures and how to file a complaint.

C. The Office of Client Advocacy and each child-placing agency

shall designate one employee at the central office to receive and

process foster care grievances received by the Office of Juvenile

System Oversight.

D. The Office of Client Advocacy and each child-placing agency

shall maintain records of each grievance filed as well as summary

information about the number, nature and outcome of all grievances

filed. The Office of Client Advocacy and the Office of Juvenile

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 10A. Children and Juvenile Code Page 255

System Oversight shall compile an annual report for the Legislature

that details the number of complaints received, the number of

complaints resolved, the nature of the complaints and any other

information requested by the Legislature. The Office of Client

Advocacy and child-placing agencies shall keep records of grievances

separate and apart from other foster parent files. A foster parent

or a former foster parent shall have a right of access to the record

of grievances such person filed after the procedure has been

completed.

E. 1. Each foster parent shall have the right, without fear of

reprisal or discrimination, to present grievances with respect to

the providing of foster care services.

2. The Department of Human Services shall promptly initiate a

plan of corrective discipline including, but not limited to,

dismissal of any Department employee or cancellation or nonrenewal

of the contract of a child-placing agency determined by the state

agency, through an investigation to have retaliated or discriminated

against a foster parent who has:

a. filed a grievance pursuant to the provisions of this

section,

b. provided information to any official or Department

employee, or

c. testified, assisted, or otherwise participated in an

investigation, proceeding or hearing against the

Department or the child-placing agency.

3. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to

include any complaint by the foster parent resulting from an

administrative, civil or criminal action taken by the employee or

child-placing agency for violations of law or rules, or contract

provisions by the foster parent.