OKLAHOMA CITY – There are few constants in life, but change is one of those. Transformation can bring about levels of anxiety and hope, but we have to adapt to keep going or improve upon the situation.
When I received word that Dr. Deb Shropshire, the current Director for Oklahoma Human Services, will be leaving her role, I was saddened to learn of this impending change. I feel that she has done a tremendous job with the resources which have been provided and directives given to her by elected officials while balancing her administrative duties over the agency.
Deb and I first became acquainted when I began work at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy nearly eight years ago. In her role of leading Human Services’ Child Welfare Division, much of the work we both undertook often overlapped. I found her always willing to visit about policy, share ideas for improvements, and never dismissed anyone even when things did not fall under her scope of work.
When Governor Stitt appointed her as the new director of Human Services almost two years ago, I said it was “one of his best decisions as governor.” I stand by that today as she has navigated a very difficult job and brought forth many policies which have improved difficult systems of care, even when many policymakers, including the governor, have called for flat budgets and no increases.
Human Services has struggled with many tough cases in recent years, including child deaths. I firmly believe many of these problems could have been averted with the right resources provided by policymakers, including increased salaries and benefits for employees. If state agencies could hire enough workers and provide enhanced training for their staff, along with a smaller amount of caseloads, in turn having the ability to give more attention to these critical issues, we would see far fewer problems.
In addition, if Oklahomans would be vigilant and willing to “get involved” by reporting when they suspect a child is the victim of abuse or neglect, far fewer traumatic cases would rise to that level upon investigation by the state. Oklahoma has anonymous reporting for suspected abuse and neglect situations for the very reason as it is too difficult even to get people to “get involved,” like what we saw with the child death in Midwest City a few weeks ago. Yes, it might be a hassle if an investigation occurs and nothing is found to be wrong, but I, and I hope most others, believe it is better “to be safe than sorry” with concerns regarding children.
Over the past few weeks, Dr. Shropshire has been the focus of negative attention with a few lawmakers and other individuals tied to elected officials. Much of what has been called into question is outside the scope of her job, so I do not blame her if she finally had enough as her reason to leave. However, if she was forced out because someone had a politician’s ear, then it is a tragedy which will set a horrific precedent for the agency.
As we move forward, and a new individual will take over this role, I am trying to have hope that things will improve. I also know that I must do my part to help make this situation for a new director positive and ensure the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy contributes when help is needed for improvement for foster youth and the others served by this agency.
