Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 340 - Department of Human Services
Chapter 75 - Child Welfare Services
Subchapter 10 - Emergency Shelter Care
Section 340:75-10-8 - Purpose and authority

(a) Purpose. The emergency shelters managed and operated by Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) provide, temporary placement for children ages 0 to 17 years of age who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

(b) Authority. OKDHS is authorized pursuant to Section 1-9-111 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes (10A O.S. § 1-9-111) to manage and operate the children's shelter located in Oklahoma City, known and designated as the Pauline Mayer Children's Shelter, and the children's shelter located in Tulsa, known and designated as the Laura Dester Children's Center.

(c) Certification. OKDHS managed and operated shelters are certified by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth in accordance with 10 O.S. § 601.3 and the Child Care Facilities Licensing Act.

(d) Admissions.

(e) Capacity. The Pauline E. Mayer Children's Shelter has a licensed capacity of 48 children and the Laura Dester Children's Center has a licensed capacity of 63 children. Pursuant to 10A O.S. § 1-9-111, OKDHS has structured a plan to place no more than 25 children at a time in each OKDHS managed and operated shelter. Foster care homes are utilized for placement of children instead of the shelters when possible.

(f) Confidentiality. In accordance with 10A O.S. § 1-6-103, information acquired as a result of a child's placement in the shelter is confidential and may be disclosed only as provided by the Oklahoma Children's Code, applicable state or federal law, regulation, or court order. OKDHS is not prohibited from disclosing confidential information necessary to secure appropriate care, treatment, protection, or supervision of a child alleged to be abused or neglected.