Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth

If you wish to file a complaint by phone, please call: (405) 606-4936

Welcome to the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.

In the early 1980s, a lawsuit was brought forward by seven teenage plaintiffs in the custody of the Department of Human Services known as the “Terry D. Case.” The lawsuit alleged instances of abuse and generally horrific conditions faced by Oklahoma children in state custody and cared for by institutions. Along with the lawsuit, local Gannett news aired a series of reports called ‘Oklahoma’s Shame,’ which helped lead to a massive change in the child welfare system.

As part of these changes, in 1982, Oklahoma House Bill 1468 was signed into law and the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY) was created to bring accountability and oversight into the child and youth service systems of Oklahoma. For more than 38 years, OCCY has successfully worked for the establishment of effective services, has been instrumental in the remediation or elimination of substandard services, and has helped create a transparent system for children, youth, and families.

You can now find OCCY at our new location at the Cameron Building located near the intersection of NW 29th Street and Classen Boulevard. At this time, all staff is available by email or phone. On-site visits are currently limited to appointments only. Please note, many staff members are working remotely to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any staff or department. We will respond to your call or email as soon as possible. Click the image to the left to see our new location on a map.

OCCY PROGRAMS