Report Outlines Abusive Home, DHS Inaction

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - A state lawmaker says a police report detailing the torture four children have endured in the past six years is proof the Department of Human Services needs an overhaul.

The report, filed by an Oklahoma City police officer last week, outlines the alleged abuse at the hands of an Oklahoma mom and her live-in boyfriend.

"We get complaints all the time that kids are removed to soon or left in the home too long and no one seems to be happy with the process DHS uses to make these decisions," said State Representative Richard Morrissette (D-Oklahoma City).

Morrissette said the recent Oklahoma City police report is an example of why lawmakers need to take action to change the agency responsible with protecting children.

The case dates to May 2003 when case workers said "an accusation was made that the children were being burned."

The family was referred to a home base program, and even though the "family did not comply with court orders ... the children were left within the home."

Six months later the DHS removed the children after finding their home in filthy conditions, but according to the report, "the children were released by order of the courts back to the mother."

In September 2006, one child said she was sexually assaulted by the live-in boyfriend.

Case workers reported "the children were taken into custody... but the pickup order was declined and the children remained in the home."

In May 2006, one of the children was found wondering outside, naked and unsupervised.

The report reads, "Again, the children were taken into custody and returned back to the family by the courts."

Finally, February 2009, another accusation of sexual abuse was made by a case worker.

One child told the case worker the live-in boyfriend got on top of her to "make babies."

Representative Morrissette (D-District 92) said the case is a perfect example of why pending legislation to reorganize DHS won't work.

"Where would these children go in a situation like the report you just had?" Morrissette said.

House Bill 1734 requires a police officer to consult with DHS before taking a child into custody. It also would phase out the use of emergency shelters.

DHS issued a statement saying: "This is a matter that will be looked at the highest level because it is our responsibility to ensure the Individual Service Plan for each child in state custody is followed in the best interest of that child."

Oklahoma City police said the children are still in protective custody and no one's been arrested.

There's no way of determining which courts issued the orders because the family's identities are sealed.