Dossett advances bill to protect children

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1421, by Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, requiring nonphysical and nonviolent intervention training for personnel who serve children at Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) facilities, was approved unanimously Monday in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Both staff and volunteers who provide direct services to minors while under a contract with the agency are subject to the proposed training.

The training is of clear benefit to children but also ensures the adults serving them are fully equipped to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

“Current administrative rules already regulate this type of training, but requiring the training in statute gives it the force of law and commits the Legislature to funding it now and in the future," Dossett said. “It also ensures that no taxpayer dollar either now or ever is wasted on an interaction with children that ultimately harms the child or impedes their progress.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor, where it must be heard by March 26.

– END –

For more information, contact: Sen. Jo Anna Dossett at (405) 521-5624 or JoAnna.Dossett@oksenate.gov