Attorney General Gentner Drummond commended the dedication and work of his staff, the state Department of Human Services (DHS) and the state Legislature for successfully completing all requirements under the Pinnacle Plan, which has transformed Oklahoma’s child welfare system into a national model of excellence.
In 2012, DHS settled a class-action, civil rights lawsuit against its foster care system by agreeing to make improvements in targeted areas of the state’s child welfare system. The Pinnacle Plan was developed as part of that settlement agreement.
"Today marks the culmination of 13 years of dedicated work to protect Oklahoma's most vulnerable children," said Drummond. "Our office has been proud to work hand-in-hand with DHS throughout this process, from negotiating the initial settlement to witnessing the remarkable transformation of our child welfare system."
The Office of the Attorney General played a pivotal role in the settlement process, entering an appearance on behalf of the state, participating in settlement discussions and helping secure approval through the Contingency Review Board.
“I am proud of, and grateful for, those in the Attorney General’s Office who worked hard to ensure that a system once in crisis is now recognized as a standard across the country,” Drummond said. "Of course, praise must also go to the Legislature for its commitment and investment, and to DHS for its tireless efforts in fixing a broken system that needed significant reform."
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