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Ava Babinec
3501 N Norfolk Rd
Cushing, OK 74023

February 25, 2024

Tricia Howell
Director Of Child Welfare Services
2400 N Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, Ok 73105

Dear Tricia Howell,

I am writing to support a group whose voices are often overlooked and underappreciated,
the dedication of Oklahoma's Department of Human Services (DHS) employees. As we
recognize the voices shown through various media, it's important to recognize the exhausting
efforts of DHS workers. These caseworkers aim to support the Oklahoma Standard of
Compassion for others, despite facing overwhelming challenges and burdens. DHS only has,
roughly, 850 employees that are required to ensure safety of over 55,000 children. With the high
levels of attention and compassion that are necessary for these cases, data like this is simply not
possible.On top of it all, case workers are only being paid a fraction of what they deserve.
Director Howell, I’m writing this to encourage you to hire more employees to relieve the stress
and pressure of your exhausted caseworkers. It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of both
the children and the workers who dedicate their lives to protecting them.

Oklahoma's DHS plays an important role in helping and supporting helpless citizens, mainly
children. However, reports show that significant pressure is placed on DHS employees due to
understaffing, high caseloads, and limited resources. According to data from The Oklahoman,
Oklahoma's DHS workers are extremely overworked, with caseworkers handling an average of
40 cases each month. To put this in perspective, each case includes both children and parents,
foster parents, schools, judges, and anyone else who may need information. This workload not
only impacts the quality of services provided but also takes a toll on the mental health of DHS
employees. An Oklahoma case investigator has stated that many employees are working close to
20 hour days trying to clear 30 cases in 60 days just to meet the “Pinnacle Plan.” The Pinnacle
Plan is a class action settlement to ensure quality results from case workers, only allowing 12
open investigations per worker. According to the 2017 report, 75% of cases were meeting the
plan, but many DHS employees assured reporters that this was not accurate and that there are
many loopholes to lessen numbers in the books. Many employees have stated that offices will
keep caseloads for fired employees to lessen other employees’ numbers.

I have witnessed the importance of the services provided by DHS and the dedication of its
employees. One of my closest friends was unexpectedly put into the system and was heavily
overlooked just because she was over the age of 12. These employees are forced to prioritize
children over other children, which should not be the case. Many have said that the helpline wait
times are outrageous, with wait times generally being close 2-3 hours just to reach a caseworker.
Not to mention, over 20% of calls require follow-up documentation that is most likely not on
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hand during the time of the call. It is concerning to see the challenges faced by DHS workers as
they struggle to meet the needs of our most vulnerable Oklahoma citizens while working under
tiring conditions.These issues call for urgent attention to guarantee the well-being of children in
our state. We must advocate for support for our DHS employees to fulfill their meaningful role
in protecting our children.

To support Oklahoma's DHS employees and enforce the quality of these services, several
measures can be taken. First, increased funding should be set aside for DHS for staffing
shortages. With more money set aside, more employees can be hired which can help reduce the
workload for our current employees. Additionally, investing in training and professional
development opportunities for DHS workers can also improve their skills and effectiveness in
serving the community. Thus, creating policies that promote a healthy work-life balance, such as
flexible scheduling and possibly even mental health support programs, could be essential to the
well-being of DHS employees. Another option could be to establish performance evaluations to
create continuous growth and positive feedback to minimize burnout, two birds with one
stone.By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that DHS employees are supported and
equipped to guarantee their role in keeping our children safe.Fostering a culture of appreciation
can boost job satisfaction and lead to a better outcome in helping our children and their families.

In conclusion, I encourage you, Director Howell, to prioritize the voices and needs of
Oklahoma's DHS workers and take action to address their challenges by hiring more staff to take
pressure and stress off of the overworked and exhausted DHS caseworkers. By supporting DHS
employees, we can support the Oklahoma Standard of Compassion and ensure that all residents
receive the care and assistance they deserve. All it takes are a few adjustments: higher pay, more
employees, and a better office culture. Together we can create a brighter Oklahoma.Thank you
for your attention to this issue, and I am available to provide further information or assistance as
needed, please contact me at (918)-399-3245 or my personal email avanicholebab@gmail.com.
Thank you!

Sincerely,
Ava Babinec
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Works Cited
“Employees at DHS overworked.” The Oklahoman, 26 November 2005,
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2005/11/26/employees-at-dhs-overworked/
61913600007/. Accessed 21 February 2024.
This article provides incitement from a DHS employee. It shines light on exactly how
overworked the Oklahoma DHS employees are. The Oklahoman is a highly reputable newspaper
based in Oklahoma City, OK. As for the author, we don’t know much about them as it is
anonymous, but we can assume that she is an overworked and underappreciated Oklahoma DHS
employee that has worked for the system for over 15 years. This article was published by The
Oklahoman in 2005. The Oklahoman is an Oklahoma newspaper available for all Oklahoma
Citizens to read. This paper was established in 1889 and has been one of the top news sources in
the state since. This article from The Oklahoman is a reliable source that provides valuable
insights into the challenges faced by DHS employees. Its thorough reporting and reputation
make it a beneficial addition to any research paper on the topic.

Moss, Ashley. “Callers say DHS helpline plagued by long wait times.” KFOR, 15 December
2023, https://kfor.com/news/local/callers-say-dhs-help-line-plagued-by-long-wait-times/.
Accessed 25 February 2024.

The article reports on complaints from callers experiencing extended wait times when contacting
the DHS helpline.The article does not provide information about the author. However, news
articles on KFOR are typically authored by journalists or reporters employed by the
station.KFOR is a local news station serving the Oklahoma City area. It has been in operation
since 1949, offering news coverage on various topics including local events, politics, and
community issues. The station is not known for significant political bias and is funded primarily
through advertising revenue. Its audience comprises residents of Oklahoma City and surrounding
areas.The article appears to be recent as it addresses current complaints about DHS helpline wait
times. While the source itself is not typically associated with significant bias, it's essential to
assess any potential biases in the reporting of individual journalists. However, without specific
information about the author, it's difficult to determine the handling of the source work.Given
KFOR's established presence as a local news station, the article is likely a reliable source for
understanding community concerns about DHS services. It provides firsthand accounts of
individuals experiencing issues with the helpline, which can offer valuable insights for a paper
discussing the efficiency of social services or government operations.

“9 Investigates: DHS Workers Blow Whistle On Child Protective Services.” News 9,

https://www.news9.com/story/5e3349bd1290151d52141e3b/9-investigates:-dhs-workers-
blow-whistle-on-child-protective-services. Accessed 25 February 2024.

The article discusses revelations made by DHS workers regarding alleged misconduct and
mismanagement within Oklahoma's Child Protective Services (CPS) system, including concerns
about excessive caseloads and lack of support for vulnerable children.
The article does not provide specific details about the author. However, News 9 employs a team
of journalists and reporters who cover various news topics, including investigative reporting.
News 9 is a longstanding news outlet serving Oklahoma City and the surrounding region. It has
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been providing news coverage since its establishment in 1953, covering a wide range of topics,
including local news, weather, and sports. While News 9 aims to provide impartial reporting, like
any news organization, it may have biases inherent to its editorial stance or ownership. The
station is funded primarily through advertising revenue and is typically accessed by residents of
Oklahoma City and its vicinity.
The article appears to be a recent publication, addressing current concerns raised by DHS
workers about CPS operations. Given the nature of the allegations and the potential impact on
vulnerable populations, it's important to consider the ethical handling of sources and the balance
of perspectives within the article. Without specific information about the author or the
investigative process, it's challenging to assess the ethical standards of the reporting.
While News 9 is a well-established local news source, this article's reliability hinges on the
thoroughness of its investigative reporting and the credibility of its sources within DHS. As the
article presents potentially significant revelations about CPS operations, it could offer valuable
insights for a paper discussing child welfare policies or government accountability. However,
readers should cross-reference information and consider additional sources to ensure a
comprehensive understanding of the issue.

“The Oklahoma Standard.” Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum,

https://memorialmuseum.com/educators/lesson-plans/the-oklahoma-standard/. Accessed
21 February 2024.

The article discusses the concept of the "Oklahoma Standard," which emphasizes resilience,
compassion, and community support, particularly in the face of adversity. It explores how this
ethos emerged in response to tragedies such as the Oklahoma City bombing and continues to
shape the state's identity.
The article is published on the website of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
While specific authorship is not provided, the content is likely written or endorsed by educators
and historians associated with the memorial.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum website provides resources related to the
Oklahoma City bombing and its impact. It has been available for an extended period, serving as a
platform for education, remembrance, and community engagement. The content on the site is
primarily educational and commemorative, focusing on the history and aftermath of the
bombing. The site is funded by donations, grants, and revenue generated from admissions and
merchandise sales. Its audience includes educators, students, researchers, and individuals
interested in learning about the Oklahoma City bombing and its broader significance.
The article is not a recent publication but remains relevant due to its focus on a foundational
aspect of Oklahoma's identity. As the content is educational and commemorative, it is not
inherently biased, but rather presents a perspective shaped by the memorial's mission. The source
work is handled ethically, aiming to honor the memory of the bombing victims and promote
understanding and resilience. As an educational resource provided by a reputable institution
dedicated to preserving the memory of the Oklahoma City bombing, the article is likely a reliable
source for understanding the "Oklahoma Standard" and its cultural significance. While it may not
directly contribute to every paper's topic, it could provide valuable context for discussions on
community resilience, disaster response, or regional identity in Oklahoma.