In Oklahoma, a DHS Individualized Service Plan (ISP) is a comprehensive, written document developed by Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS). Its implemented for children adjudicated as deprived. The ISP outlines the specific services and interventions necessary to address the child’s and family’s needs, with the primary goal of ensuring the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being.
Key Components of an ISP include:
Child and Family History: In most cases a cases is opened after a child protective service investigation. After this investigation, if CPS identifies issues, they refer it on for additional services. DHS looks at the issues leading to the deprived child adjudication. DHS also identifies changes required for the child to safely remain in or return to the home. They may also take the children on an emergency custody placement.
- Permanency Plan: The intended long-term outcome for the child, such as reunification with the family, adoption, or legal guardianship, along with steps to achieve this goal.
- Services Identification: Specific services provided to the child and family, including educational, vocational, medical, and counseling services.
- Visitation Schedule: A plan for regular and frequent visitation between the child, parents or legal guardians, and siblings, unless deemed harmful by the court. In most cases the visitation requires supervision from a court determined supervisor.
- Safety Provisions: Clearly defined actions or precautions necessary to ensure the child’s safety and protection.
Developing The ISP
The ISP is developed collaboratively with input from the child (when appropriate), parents or legal guardians, attorneys, and, if applicable, tribal representatives. It is tailored to the unique circumstances of each child and family, written in clear and simple language, and translated when necessary to accommodate non-English speakers. Its important to understand that not all parents can successfully complete the ISP. If you agree to it and do not finish the plan the State may try to terminate your parental rights. Its also important to understand that once you agree to the DHS Individualized Service Plan there is no turning back or renegotiating the plan.
How Long Does It Take Before Implementation
The ISP is initiated promptly, typically within 60 calendar days from the child’s removal or the filing of the petition, whichever comes first, to begin services aimed at correcting the conditions that created the child safety threats. The plan is subject to regular reviews and modifications to adapt to changing circumstances and to ensure it remains aligned with the child’s best interests.
Tulsa Child Custody Attorneys You Can Count On
If you are facing a DHS Individualized Service Plan you need help. This kind of DHS action often leads to termination of parental rights or other serious threats to your parental rights. Dealing with DHS or child protective services in Oklahoma is tricky and requires an understanding of the system. For a free consultation with a child custody attorney from Tulsa Divorce Attorneys and Associates call us at 539-303-0303 or follow this link to ask an on line legal question.