Oklahoma House Committee Calls For OSBI Investigation Into Alleged Child Abuse Under DHS

An Oklahoma House committee has voted to request an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) into allegations of child abuse involving children under the care of the Department of Human Services (DHS).

The Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee alleges that state agencies were aware of the abuse but failed to take action to stop it.

The formal request comes after a recent committee meeting where speakers shared concerns about criminal offenses and abuse within state agencies.

The committee also discussed a lawsuit against the Tulsa Juvenile Justice Center, where employees are accused of abusing children in their care.

Several individuals who work with child welfare cases testified to witnessing what they described as criminal conduct, including document shredding and the failure to involve law enforcement in abuse cases.

Committee Chairman Justin Humphrey expressed outrage over the agencies' handling of the situation.

"This goes to every one of us; we have a duty to protect children. That's what we're here for, and so it's unbelievable what we're talking about," said Humphrey.

The committee’s vote allows the OSBI to investigate complaints and reports of abuse at DHS, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. Additionally, the investigation will focus on at least six specific child welfare cases.

In response, DHS stated that it supports transparency and will fully cooperate with any investigation.