Registration Closes Wednesday for Inaugural Advocacy Boot Camp

On Wednesday, November 20, the new class of Oklahoma lawmakers will take office. In total, 31 new Oklahoma lawmakers – 17 in the House and 14 in the Senate – will join 117 veteran lawmakers for the first session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. There is one remaining seat to be filled in the state Senate for District 8, formerly held by Sen. Roger Thompson. That Special Primary Election will be held March 4, 2025, and if necessary, the Runoff Primary will be on Tuesday, April 1. The Special General Election will be May 13, 2025. The House Republican Caucus has 81 of the 101 members in the House of Representatives. In the Senate, the GOP controls 39 of the 48 seats, with expectation that the Thompson seat will remain in Republican hands. There are 20 Democrats in the House and eight in the Senate. While I am looking forward to working with many of the newly elected officials who will serve during the next two years, I also want to thank those leaving state service. Personally, many of these individuals have been great allies as we work for better policies to benefit Oklahoma’s youth. While we might not have seen eye to eye every single time, I knew that each was doing what they felt was best. Civility appears to be a dying sentiment at all levels of government. In the past, most elected officials could agree to disagree on issues and still find common ground on policies which had a little from each side’s position included. Now, it feels like an official is demonized if they dare seek a solution that is not ideologically pure. Even friendships across party lines seem to be out of fashion, which is really disappointing. When I served in the House of Representatives, I was proud to have friendships with lawmakers from both parties – friendships that endure to this day. The reason these have lasted is because we cared about the future of Oklahoma, even if we disagreed on how to get there. The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) works to improve the lives of children, seeking out policymakers who will sit down and discuss the variety of issues impacting children. Developing the Children’s Legislative Agenda begins with our annual Fall Forum policy conference being held this week. We will discuss different ideas presented by advocates for legislative or agency solutions. The issue areas we will discuss, among others, at Fall Forum are: 1) Support Programs and Services for Foster Families and Biological Parents/Guardians, 2) Accessibility to Health-Related Services and Programs, 3) Learning Loss and Educational Opportunities for Children, and 4) Childcare and Family Leave Programs. Once done, our team will seek out authors of legislation for those concepts. The bill drafting request deadline is Friday, December 6; that’s when lawmakers must submit ideas to the legislative staff for bills. Staff then will begin the arduous process of drafting these ideas into a bill format for where it will best fit into the Oklahoma Statutes. There will roughly be one month for the staff to complete bill drafting; to put into perspective what a heavy lift this is, in 2023, lawmakers filed more than 3,000 bills. I expect that we will see similar numbers this year. State senators can file as many bills as they want, while state representatives are capped at eight bills each. Of course, members of House leadership are allowed more. If you or an organization you work with is considering a state law change, now is the time to reach out to your lawmakers, or those who work in support of the area which is of interest. 

Elections are often exciting, inspiring, and even traumatic. For those who win, they begin a new chapter of their lives, working to make a difference for the people they serve. For those on the short end of the final total, there is a sense of frustration of what more could have been done to effectively communicate the message to win votes. This year’s election was one in which there were strong feelings on both sides, with enthusiastic Oklahomans truly believing their direction was the right pathway for a better tomorrow. On either side, no matter how you feel in the aftermath of Tuesday's elections, the work of advocates continues far beyond just that one day. In fact, it is arguably an effort that happens 365 days a year; and that is why we want to hear your thoughts for what will help Oklahoma’s children. Each year, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) assembles advocates from across the state at this conference to discuss the needs of Oklahoma’s children. At Fall Forum, advocates begin the promise of better outcomes for Oklahoma's children through policy. It is here that we develop recommendations in the form of the “Children’s Legislative Agenda” which will be presented to the new Legislature and the governor before the 2025 session. We expect to have a robust conversation about many issues, and we know the networking through this conference will help advocates build stronger alliances as we work together to improve the lives of Oklahoma’s youth. This year’s Fall Forum is slated for an online session on Thursday, November 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and then meeting together on Tuesday, November 19 through Thursday, November 21 at The Ellison Hotel in Oklahoma City. You can go to our website at oica.org to see the jam-packed agenda with agency directors speaking, programs promoting their work, and a health dialogue held for policy.  During the online session, participants will lay out the framework of the agenda through a conversation which will be discussed during the in-person meeting the next week. Once registered, participants will be sent the link to use. While it is good to participate in the online session, it is not necessary to attend the remainder of Fall Forum. Most pundits are expecting that the next Legislature will take place during a challenging two years for children’s policy, with deeper tax cuts, frozen spending, and restructuring of state programs already being discussed. There will also be many new lawmakers and an entire turnover in the legislative leadership, along with Governor Kevin Stitt’s final two years coming up. We need your input, experience, and wisdom as we craft this agenda and move it forward to help policymakers shape ideas into law. It is important to remember that lawmakers are our servant leaders coming from many backgrounds, so we have a responsibility to help them better understand the importance of children’s issues. Children rarely have a voice regarding policy, which is why OICA was created and the reason we continue our mission. Children also have passionate Oklahomans who care deeply about our children’s collective futures, and OICA attempts to bring them together. That is why it is so important for us to gather at Fall Forum to discuss which issues should be the focus of policymaking. To register for Fall Forum, the cost is a very reasonable $100 to attend. Please go to https://www.oica.org/events to register and there are room reservations still available at the Ellison should you want to stay overnight. If you or your organization is already an OICA member, a complimentary conference registration is included in your annual dues. Please join together and add your voice to the conversation!

On Saturday, Oct. 26, 59 fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students from across Oklahoma gathered at the Oklahoma County OSU Extension on office as the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy and Oklahoma 4-H hosted the 2024 Kid Governor® Conference, in cooperation with the Connecticut Democracy Project. The students learned about Oklahoma government and conducted a campaign for the next Kid Governor® of Oklahoma. The 2025 Oklahoma Kid Governor will be Emma Stephens, and she will take office in the new year. On Saturday, October 26, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) partnered with Oklahoma 4-H to present our OK Kid Governor® program to 59 students in 4th-6th grade from across the state. Of those in attendance, we had about one-third of those students run for the position to serve as a voice for their peers in policy conversations through our organization. While three grades of students were present for the lessons, only 5th graders are allowed to run for Kid Governor® pursuant to the rules provided by the parent organization, the Connecticut Democracy Project. Each of the speeches given by the students were thoughtful, addressed valid concerns facing our state, and were impressive with how each presented a problem and a potential solution to that issue. Congratulations to our new officer team: 2025 Kid Governor Emma Stephens, Lt. Governor Shawn Ferrell, and Secretary of State Lawson Ream, along with Cabinet Members Alburto Harmon, Clayton Rohla, Harper Witt, Koda White and Ryan Young. Together, these 5th graders will meet online to shape an agenda for the upcoming year and seek to implement those ideas with lawmakers and agency leaders. All Oklahoma should be immensely proud of the effort each put into their elections. This program continually inspires me and gives me hope for the future that we will be in good hands once these young leaders become adults. We at OICA thank Kimberly Blodgett, an Oklahoma educator and OICA supporter, for teaching lessons about the three branches of government, the importance of voting, and how campaigns work to seek votes from those who can cast ballots. The students were attentive with the information provided and each responded that they learned a lot from the workshop, hosted by the Oklahoma County OSU Extension Office. We appreciate the team of leaders from 4-H and our own staff from OICA for overseeing the conference and staffing the polling place where the students voted, which replicated the process adults use during voting. Finally, we certainly want to thank the many parents and guardians who also stayed at the conference and who joined in on the questioning period to help elevate the conversation. OICA is incredibly grateful to our current Kid Governor, Mila O’Brien, for her work over the past two years in the role. Mila had to step up and serve two terms with the postponement of the program last year due to each of the classes enrolled in the curriculum withdrawing due to various issues faced by Oklahoma teachers. A reception will be held in Mila’s honor on November 19 during our annual Fall Forum conference, to be held in Oklahoma City. We appreciate sponsors for this program and the many Oklahomans who help encourage stronger civics learning through Kid Governor® and the many other youth-serving experiences used to promote this type of experience. We hope that in 2025, Kid Governor® will be back in Oklahoma’s 5th grade classrooms across the state and we hope to continue the partnership with Oklahoma 4-H. If you want to learn more about how to support the Oklahoma Kid Governor® program, go to oica.org to find out how you can get more involved. You can also join us at the Fall Forum as delegates will help OICA shape our legislative agenda for 2025. We expect to have a robust conversation about issues, and we know the networking through this conference will help advocates build stronger alliances as we work together to improve the lives of Oklahoma’s youth. Please join us and add your voice to the conversation!

We at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy want to help parents avoid those who would want to pull Halloween “tricks” on you and your children. Here are some safety tips to help keep your children safe. Did you know that child pedestrian injuries are more likely on Halloween than any other night of the year? Research shows that evening from 6 to 9 p.m. is the riskiest time of day for child pedestrians. Ensure the children know the rules of the road and how to avoid being hit by a vehicle. It is best to always accompany younger children as the excitement often gets to them as they move from house to house. They will oftentimes not look both ways before crossing a street, and then their costumes often block part of their vision. If trick-or-treating does not start until after dark where you live, consider checking with your local community bulletin boards or organizations for Halloween activities offered earlier in the day. Encourage your older children who are going out to travel with at least one other child who is as old or older than they are, and better yet, travel in a group. Ensure their mobile phone is fully charged with the tracking app turned on. If your older children are trick-or-treating alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home and get flashlights with batteries for everyone. It is also best to discuss “stranger danger” prior to going out for trick-or-treating. Caution kids to never enter a home or car for a treat. Notify law enforcement authorities immediately about any suspicious or unlawful activity. Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency, get lost, or are prone to wander. You can also check the database of registered sex offenders in your area so you can avoid those houses altogether. You can get the database at https://sors.doc.ok.gov/ , put in your address, and get the addresses of those you might prefer to avoid. While you want children to have their mobile phones with them for emergencies, talk with them about the risks of distracted walking. This includes text messaging, talking on or looking at their cell phone, and listening to music. This can also lead to falls, or worse, being hit by a vehicle. You should also encourage children to cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Most (62%) child pedestrian traffic fatalities occur mid-block, rather than at intersections. Make sure kids know not to cross the street safely between parked cars or out of driveways or alleys. When planning costumes, try to ensure they are bright and reflective. A brightly colored treat bag or glow-in-the-dark elements can be a fun way to incorporate safety into a scary costume. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to darker costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Remind children that it is best to stay on well-lit streets and always use sidewalks. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Encourage them to only go to homes with porch lights on and, ideally, well-lit pathways, and preferably where they know the person or where an organized neighborhood Halloween gathering is occurring. I hope this does not increase fears about the holiday as this is truly an enjoyable time for both children seeking candy and those adults who love to see the joy of kids in costume. If you are passing out treats at your house or at an organized gathering, I hope you, too, have a happy Halloween!

On November 5, the General Election will occur for Americans to decide on the candidates who are seeking office that they would want to represent them for the next term of office. Ranging from President to municipal elections, each office is charged with certain responsibilities. Campaigns are being waged to win your votes. There will also be two state questions on the Oklahoma ballot this year. I recommend going to https://www.kosu.org/politics/2024-10-10/here-are-the-state-questions-youll-see-on-oklahoma-ballots and read brief descriptions of the questions; you can also go to a site to read the full language of what is to be enacted if approved. You also will decide several judicial retention votes. Ranging from lower courts to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, voters get to decide whether a judge or justice remains in office. These court members were vetted by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and then appointed by the sitting governor from the qualified applicants from the list. The JNC was established to eliminate political corruption through appointments and has 15 commissioners who serve without compensation. Nine of the 15 commissioners are non-lawyers. Governor Stitt will appoint six of the non-lawyer commissioners, one from each of the six congressional districts as they existed in 1967, to serve staggered six-year terms. Of the six non-lawyer commissioners named by the governor, no more than three can belong to any one political party. The three remaining non-lawyer commissioners serve two-year terms as members-at-large. One is appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore and one is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (both Republicans). The JNC itself selects the third non-lawyer commissioner. No more than two of the three members-at-large can be from the same political party. I encourage you to learn more about those judges and justices up for retention, and this information is provided purely so you can be more informed before voting. Of the three state Supreme Court justices on the ballot, one is the only military veteran on the Supreme Court, having served in the U.S. Navy. Another was appointed by two Republican governors to lower courts, and this justice also created the Parent and Children Representation Task Force under the courts. This task force seeks to reduce the backlog of court cases with families who have cases involving their children (a major issue which OICA assisted in helping pass legislation to assist families in their court battles to keep their children). The third Justice, raised in rural Oklahoma, was instrumental in establishing the Sovereignty Symposium, a conference reviewing tribal law, which has helped Oklahoma navigate the complicated rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court. In a recent decision, all nine justices, appointed by both Republicans and Democrats, agreed that a school district’s local school board, not a state agency nor the Oklahoma State Board of Education, has the power to decide which books to include in school libraries. This local control given to local boards and parents is a perfect example of thoughtful decision making and finding the correct path. In another decision, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a scholarship program for special needs students was constitutional and specifically noted this program does not directly benefit private schools or churches, but individual students. This thoughtful deliberation allowed parents to access programs which would benefit their children due to the needs faced, not if the school is public or private, which also includes religious private schools. So, please do your research when it comes to these votes and do not rely on the millions spent on inflammatory commercials. We need good people to serve, not those who the most money can buy.

The season for legislative interim studies is quickly coming to an end. I would like to thank those lawmakers who have dedicated time and effort to ensuring that the studies which the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) requested were handled superbly. Each of the studies which we followed involving children were enlightening and others we were an active part in, I felt, were useful for policymakers. OICA is deeply concerned though about one upcoming study, and we want to encourage Oklahomans to pay close attention to the conversation. Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, was granted a study entitled “The Effectiveness of Properly Administered Corporal Punishment.” This study will be heard before the House Rules Committee on Monday, Oct 21. The study is in no doubt a response to the efforts over the past two sessions to end the practice of corporal punishment on disabled students in Oklahoma schools, a measure OICA strongly supported. Olsen was one of the most outspoken opponents of this effort to prevent government employees from hitting disabled children, some of whom might not even understanding for what they are being punished. Our OETA conversation on this topic can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EIHt1rr4wl0 on YouTube. Olsen is clearly on the opposite side of this issue from OICA and many other child advocates. His study description outlines that he will have the testimonies of two or three superintendents, two child psychologists, one opposing view, testimony of a homeschooling father, and a brief look at the Scriptures. Despite one opposing view on the agenda, the title of the study presents its forgone conclusion: inflicting violence upon children is an encouraged means of discipline. Under Oklahoma law, "Corporal punishment" means, as defined in 70 O.S. § 13-116, the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force used as a means of discipline. It is estimated that about 130 rural schools across the state still administer corporal punishment to students, usually, but not always, with the permission of a parent or guardian, with just over 60 of those districts still using corporal punishment on children classified in some special needs category, including severe cases. I know one aspect, the belief that this is allowed under scripture, will likely be frustrating for me to hear. Representative Olsen and I strongly disagree about whether the Bible condones the topic, as was highlighted in our OETA conversation. Bishop James Nunn, recently retired from the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, sums up my views of this topic here: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/05/03/opinion-united-methodists-do-not-condone-corporal-punishment-bishop-says/73517371007/ . The bottom line: using violence to discipline children is not Biblical. I would encourage you to either attend or listen to the study and reach out to your own state senator and representative with your views on the topic. All interim studies are open to the public to attend, along with members of the press who wish to cover the topic. The meeting will be streamed over the internet at https://former.okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx should you want to watch but are unable to attend. Select the study by the Rules Committee. For those wishing to attend in person, the study will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in room 206 of the Oklahoma State Capitol at 2300 N. Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City. Public parking is in the large lot south of the Capitol building. If this topic is submitted as legislation again next year, OICA will keep you informed, and will again support any measure to end the practice of corporal punishment on disabled students in school.

As a longtime advocate for children’s success, I have grown accustomed to conversations from multiple perspectives which shed light on aspects of policy. I have also been the target of frustration from many individuals and organizations who are either adamantly opposed to any change in a policy, or those who are unwilling to consider points of view when it limits their own personal freedoms, even for the greater good. This has increased with the advent of social media. Through time, I have gotten used to it; it is just part of the job when one wants to find solutions to legitimate problems. This was the case when I participated in a legislative interim study examining issues with children “falling through the cracks” of society when they are isolated. Far too many families choose to withdraw their children from public, private, charter, or virtual schools to hide abuse under the guise of home schooling them. While this association is not fair for the home school community to be linked to that, the trauma for these abused children is real. In many circumstances, these children do not receive any type of education and far too often are the victims of abuse, neglect, prostitution, and sometimes even death. Once discovered, those who live will undergo years of therapy and medical services to help them overcome the trauma they have endured. As reported by the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, a 2014 study of child abuse so severe it could be termed child torture found that 47% of victims had been removed from school to be “homeschooled”. In many of these instances, removal from school was typically initiated following the closure of a previously open child welfare investigation. Statistically, the vast majority who choose home school are doing a fine job educating their children, oftentimes in ways that public schools cannot. With a specific focus on a few children, these individuals or cooperatives of parents can accelerate learning and provide unique opportunities for their children to learn. But home schooling is not for everyone. Most families do not have the time or the resources for a parent to dedicate the time needed to do the job properly under the Compulsory Education Act, which dictates that all children must be educated at an appropriate grade level. But what about those children who have no one to watch out for them, to ensure they are not being subjected to the worst that humanity could imagine? One case is that of Athena Brownfield, a child found dead when a child welfare case was opened regarding her sister who was found roaming streets unsupervised. Unfortunately, it is typical for dozens of children to die each year under similar circumstances, and thousands more to fall into the abuse category. When I offered that a dialogue be established to look at concerns and produce solutions, the reaction online was that “rights would be removed” for their own families and that “government is bad.” If not done correctly, I agree policies can be too intrusive, but that usually happens when the conversations I just mentioned do not happen. As an advocacy organization, it is the job of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) to shed light on policies impacting children, all children, not just those under the supervision of the state. We can protect proper home schooling, but also find ways to protect children who are being harmed under those laws. I hope as the conversations continue with rational voices, that more will join civilly and agree to formulate solutions. If not, I am sure that I will read all about it on social media.

Inspiring youth to engage in policy is an important facet of the mission undertaken by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA). Through our more than four decades of work in creating awareness, taking action, and supporting policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children, we have worked to elevate issues impacting young people from birth until they reach adulthood and potential solutions to those problems. One of our favorite endeavors offered toward this is our Kid Governor® program. We serve as the state affiliate for this initiative developed by the Connecticut Democracy Project. Kid Governor® works with local educators in public, charter, and private schools to provide lesson plans to 5th graders about civics, the importance of voting when they are old enough, and how candidates use campaigns to promote issues. The curriculum is approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education to ensure it is age-appropriate and within lesson plan standards. The program’s goal is to not only educate about civic engagement, but to also conduct an election in which one 5th grader becomes Kid Governor®, elevating awareness in a policy area dear to them. Kid Governor® is designed to be presented in classrooms, but several issues prevented this from happening last year. OICA had almost 30 classrooms registered, but by the time the program was set to kick off in October 2023, each classroom had declined the invitation. Teachers shared with us three main reasons: • Some teachers needed that additional time to make up for learning loss and help the youth pass grade-level standardized tests. • The next issue was classroom overcrowding in that this had created such a nightmare for teachers due to teachers leaving the profession that other teachers were covering double the number of students normally taught. • The final and most troubling reason was fear that his program might somehow alienate some and somehow put the teacher at risk with their job for teaching a program that upset parents, administrators, or other officials due to misunderstanding. This was despite the fact the state Department of Education had approved the curriculum. With that, OICA worked with partners to try a new model for a year as an after-school program so as to not lose another year of providing this material. We have joined Oklahoma 4-H to present this for 4-H members in 4th through 6th grades. We decided to invite students from all three grade levels this year so they can learn and expand the reach for the program, cover those students who missed the opportunity to learn last year, and recruit interest for those who will be 5th graders next year. If you know of a child who is in this grade level, this is an opportunity to get a first-hand look at government, voting and civic participation. During the event to be held on October 26th, 4-H members will also have the opportunity to campaign and elect a 5th grade-level Kid Governor for a year-long term of office. Parents or guardians can register now at okla.st/4h-kidgovernor if their child is already in 4-H. The deadline is October 15 While any Oklahoma student may attend and participate, they must be enrolled in 4-H as a member of a club. If a child wants to sign up for 4-H, please contact your county OSU Extension Office to learn more. For a listing of offices, go to https://extension.okstate.edu/ and learn how to get involved in this youth program. We hope this program will be beneficial, especially as students in this age range certainly are paying attention to politics and issues in the world.

While the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) primarily works with state policies, there are often federal issues which we try to engage our advocates in calling for better opportunities. One of these policies is support for the bipartisan “Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act,” which would invest critical new resources in Title IV-B and provide needed policy improvements. We have joined the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics in calling for congressional support for the enhanced efforts described below. This week, the U.S. House of Representatives, by an overwhelming 405-10 vote approved the bipartisan Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 9076), with all five of Oklahoma’s members of Congress voting “Yea.” The measure now moves across the Capitol to the United States Senate, and our U.S. senators need to hear your support. There are two parts to Title IV-B in federal law. The first, Title IV-B Part 1, Child Welfare Services (CWS) of the Social Security Act, was first established as part of the 1935 Social Security law. Title IV-B part 2, Promoting Safe and Stable Families, started in 1993 as part of a federal budget agreement. It began as Family Preservation and Family Support but was amended to the current name and charged with delivering family preservation programs that sought to prevent foster care placement through intensive focused and limited efforts to help families at a crisis stage. Over the past year, bipartisan leadership in Congress has brought critical attention to the need to reauthorize Title IV-B and better support strong families. The Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act responds to priority areas outlined in consensus recommendations for reauthorizing Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. Family support is the main emphasis of the bill. By boosting federal backing for keeping children with their families in family-based foster care placements as much as possible, the legislation would create a clear commitment in federal law that poverty is not neglect. This underscores the role of family preservation services for families experiencing a crisis related to a lack of resources and focuses on the vital role of strong families in supporting thriving children. The Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act would further bolster support for kinship caregivers. The bill would also authorize discretionary funding for competitive grants for each of the next four years to support programs that sustain meaningful relationships between covered foster children and their incarcerated parents. Further, the legislation would enact policy improvements that complement mental health efforts and support trauma-responsive child welfare systems that promote healing. This bill would expand by $10 million annually the Court Improvement Program, which is the only direct child welfare-related federal funding that state and tribal courts receive to manage children’s cases in court across the nation each year. The bill would put another $10 million annually for Regional Partnership Grants which address the intersection of parental substance use and child welfare involvement. The bill goes further by allocating more funding for tribal sovereign nations, reduces barriers to tribal participation in IV-B, and supports oversight of implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act. We at OICA support the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act as an important step toward a modernized child welfare system that better supports children and families. Please reach out to Oklahoma’s two U.S. Senators – Sen. James Lankford and Sen. Markwayne Mullin – to ask them to support this legislation