Rosino Champions Landmark Legislation to Establish Department of Child Safety and Wellbeing

OKLAHOMA CITY- The Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved critical legislation Monday by Chairman Paul Rosino to create the Oklahoma Department of Child Safety and Wellbeing. 

Senate Bill 1570 transfers all powers, duties, resources and employees of the Child Welfare Services Division of the Department of Human Services and the Office of Juvenile Affairs to the new agency. 

Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said he introduced the bill to prioritize children in the system and enhance the state’s most essential services. The change will allow the Department of Human Services to continue focusing on its core mission of serving vulnerable populations and administering assistance programs.

“The safety and well-being of Oklahoma’s children must be our top priority,” Rosino said. “This legislation will ensure children relying on state services receive the resources needed for their protection and to meet their needs. Through continued collaboration with DHS and OJA, we are creating a stronger, more effective, and holistic system to protect vulnerable kids.”

SB 1570 also provides for the creation of the Board of Child Safety and Wellbeing, to be comprised of five members appointed by the governor, two members appointed by the Pro Tem of the Senate, and two appointees selected by the Speaker of the House. Members of the board will be experienced in social work, child welfare, children’s behavioral health, juvenile justice, education, or other youth services.

Rosino struck the title on the bill so that necessary provisions can be added to the measure before it is considered by the full Senate.

“This measure is a work in progress, and we will continue working with our agency partners throughout this session to ensure that the final form of the bill provides the necessary framework to ensure a smooth transition to the new agency,” Rosino added. 

Following both legislative and executive approval of SB 1570, the Department of Child Safety and Wellbeing would officially begin operations on July 1, 2027. 

Read the current bill language here. 

###

For more information, contact: communications@oksenate.gov.