Rep. Gabe Woolley Pushes DHS Child Custody Reform in Oklahoma Legislature

DHS Policies Under Scrutiny

State Representative Gabe Woolley (R-Broken Arrow) says changing child custody rules will be a top priority in the next legislative session. He argues that DHS policies don’t always lead to reunification, leaving many families permanently fractured.

DHS Advocates Support Reform

Joe Dorman, CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, pointed to data showing children often fare better when reunited with their biological parents. “The system should work toward safe reunification, not separation,” he said.

Woolley has introduced two bills to increase transparency in DHS decisions and prioritize family support services.

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