A. 1. Any county office of the Department of Human Services receiving a child abuse or neglect report shall promptly respond to the report by initiating an investigation of the report or an assessment of the family in accordance with priority guidelines established by the Department. The Department may prioritize reports of alleged child abuse or neglect based on the severity and immediacy of the alleged harm to the child. The Department shall adopt a priority system pursuant to rules promulgated by the Department. The primary purpose of the investigation or assessment shall be the protection of the child. For investigations or assessments, the Department shall give special consideration to the risks of any minor, including a child with a disability, who is unable to communicate effectively about abuse, neglect or other safety threat or who is in a vulnerable position due to the inability to communicate effectively.
2. If an investigation or assessment conducted by the Department in response to any report of child abuse or neglect shows that the incident reported was the result of the reasonable exercise of parental discipline involving the use of ordinary force, including, but not limited to, spanking, switching, or paddling, the investigation or assessment will proceed no further and all records regarding the incident shall be expunged.
B. 1. The investigation or assessment shall include a visit to the home of the child, unless there is reason to believe that there is an extreme safety risk to the child or worker or it appears that the referral has been made in bad faith. The visit shall include an interview with and examination of the subject child and may be conducted at any reasonable time and at any place including, but not limited to, the child’s school. The Department shall notify the person responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the child that the child has been interviewed at a school. The investigation or assessment may include an interview with the parents of the child or any other person responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of the child and an interview with and examination of any child in the home.
2. The investigation or assessment may include a medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination of any child in the home, and may include an interview conducted by appropriate personnel using the protocols and procedures specified in Section 1-9-102 of this title. If admission to the home, school, or any place where the child may be located cannot be obtained, then the district court having jurisdiction, upon application by the district attorney and upon cause shown, shall order the person responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of the child, or the person in charge of any place where the child may be located, to allow entrance for the interview, the examination, and the investigation or assessment. The court may order that the child be transported to a location approved by the court for the interview or examination and designate an appropriate person or persons to transport the child. Such persons may include but are not limited to: a relative of the child; a person responsible for the child’s health, safety, or welfare; law enforcement personnel; employees of the Department of Human Services; or employees of the Office of Juvenile Affairs if the child is in the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. When making this determination, the court shall consider safety protocols based on the gender of the child. If the person responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of the child does not consent to a medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination of the child that is requested by the Department, the district court having jurisdiction, upon application by the district attorney and upon cause shown, shall order the examination to be made at the times and places designated by the court.
3. The investigation or assessment may include an inquiry into the possibility that the child or a person responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of the child has a history of mental illness. If the person responsible for the child’s health, safety, or welfare does not allow the Department to have access to behavioral health records or treatment plans requested by the Department, which may be relevant to the alleged abuse or neglect, the district court having jurisdiction, upon application by the district attorney and upon good cause shown, shall by order allow the Department to have access to the records pursuant to terms and conditions prescribed by the court.
4. a.If the court determines that the subject of the behavioral health records is indigent, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent that person at the hearing to obtain behavioral health records.
5. The investigation of a report of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse or both sexual abuse and serious physical abuse shall be conducted, when appropriate and possible, using a multidisciplinary team approach as provided by Section 1-9-102 of this title. Law enforcement and the Department shall exchange investigation information.
6. The investigation or assessment shall include an inquiry into whether the person responsible for the health, safety or welfare of the child is an active duty service member of the military or the spouse of an active duty service member. The Department shall collect and report information related to the military affiliation of the person or spouse responsible for the health, safety or welfare of the child to the designated federal authorities at the federal military installation where the service member is assigned as provided by paragraph 4 of subsection A of Section 1-2-102 of this title.
C. 1. Every physician, surgeon, or other health care provider making a report of abuse or neglect as required by this section or examining a child to determine the likelihood of abuse or neglect and every hospital or related institution in which the child was examined or treated shall provide copies of the results of the examination or copies of the examination on which the report was based and any other clinical notes, x-rays, photographs, and other previous or current records relevant to the case to law enforcement officers conducting a criminal investigation into the case and to employees of the Department conducting an assessment or investigation of alleged abuse or neglect in the case.
2. As necessary in the course of conducting an assessment or investigation, the Department may request and obtain, without a court order, copies of all prior medical records of a child including, but not limited to, hospital records, medical, and dental records. The physician-patient privilege shall not constitute grounds for failure to produce such records.
D. 1. The Department shall engage in a collaborative decision-making process to address each child’s needs related to safety and whether the child’s condition warrants a safety intervention including but not limited to a change in placement, and:
2. If, before the assessment or investigation is complete, the Department determines that immediate removal of the child is necessary to protect the child from further abuse or neglect, the Department shall recommend that the child be taken into custody and, if feasible, utilize the collaborative decision-making process provided by paragraph 1 of this subsection prior to the emergency custody hearing.
E. The Department shall make a complete written report of the investigation. The investigation report, together with its recommendations, shall be submitted to the appropriate district attorney’s office. Reports of assessment recommendations shall be submitted to appropriate district attorneys.
F. The Department, where appropriate and in its discretion, shall identify prevention- and intervention-related services available in the community and refer the family to or arrange for such services when an investigation or assessment indicates the family would benefit from such services, or the Department may provide such services directly. The Department shall document in the record its attempts to provide, refer or arrange for the provision of voluntary services and shall determine within sixty (60) days whether the family has accessed those services directly related to safety of the child. If the family refuses voluntary services or does not access those services directly related to safety of the child, and it is determined by the Department that the child’s surroundings endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the child, the Department may recommend that the child be placed in protective or emergency custody or that a petition be filed.
G. If the Department has reason to believe that a person responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the child may remove the child from the state before the investigation is completed, the Department may request the district attorney to file an application for a temporary restraining order in any district court in the State of Oklahoma without regard to continuing jurisdiction of the child. Upon cause shown, the court may enter a temporary restraining order prohibiting the parent or other person from removing the child from the state pending completion of the assessment or investigation.
H. The Director of the Department or designee may request an investigation be conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation or other law enforcement agency in cases where it reasonably believes that criminally injurious conduct including, but not limited to, physical or sexual abuse of a child has occurred.
I. Child Welfare Services, in collaboration with the Developmental Disabilities Services Division, shall implement a protocol to be used in cases where the subject child is a child with a disability who has complex medical needs, and the protocol shall include, but not be limited to: resource coordination, medical consultation or medical evaluation, when needed.
Added by Laws 1995, c. 353, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1995. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 200, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1998, c. 416, § 14, eff. Nov. 1, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 425, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 374, § 32, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2006, c. 205, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 2006; Laws 2009, c. 233, § 83, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009. Renumbered from § 7106 of Title 10 by Laws 2009, c. 233, § 216, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 338, § 11, eff. July 1, 2009; Laws 2010, c. 278, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2010; Laws 2014, c. 355, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2016, c. 130, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2016; Laws 2017, c. 342, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2017; Laws 2021, c. 17, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2021.
Structure Oklahoma Statutes
Title 10A. Children and Juvenile Code
§10A-1-1-101. Short title - Subsequent enactments - Article, chapter and part captions.
§10A-1-1-102. Recognition of duties, rights and interests – Legislative intent.
§10A-1-1-104. Jurisdiction to enforce Oklahoma Children's Code.
§10A-1-2-102. See the following versions:
§10A-1-2-102v1. Department of Human Services – Required actions for reports of child abuse.
§10A-1-2-103. Judicial authority to request investigation.
§10A-1-2-104. Immunity from civil and criminal liability - Presumption.
§10A-1-2-106. Notice to person being investigated.
§10A-1-2-107. Disclosure of information.
§10A-1-2-108. Central registry for child abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and neglect.
§10A-1-2-110. Abandonment of child in voluntary placement.
§10A-1-2-111. Pilot program to improve socioeconomic outcomes for children in state custody.
§10A-1-3-101. Authorization to consent to medical or dental care.
§10A-1-3-102. Medical care and treatment – Definitions – Authorization and consent.
§10A-1-3-104. Safety plan monitor – Authorization of medical or dental treatment.
§10A-1-4-101. Jurisdiction – Venue – Residence of child – Transfer of proceedings.
§10A-1-4-202. Written notification of emergency custody hearing.
§10A-1-4-203. Emergency custody hearing – Affidavit – Notice to relatives.
§10A-1-4-204. Placement preferences.
§10A-1-4-206. Restraining order - Hearing.
§10A-1-4-207. Immediate assumption of custody to protect child's health or welfare.
§10A-1-4-208. Standardized assessment for children taken into custody.
§10A-1-4-302. Amendment of petition – Postadjudication petition.
§10A-1-4-303. Summons - Contents – Waiver of service.
§10A-1-4-304. Service of summons.
§10A-1-4-306. Appointment of counsel - Guardians ad litem - Court-appointed special advocates.
§10A-1-4-501. District attorney to act as petitioner.
§10A-1-4-503. Conduct of hearings.
§10A-1-4-504. Alternative dispute resolution.
§10A-1-4-505. Admissibility of prerecorded statements of child who is victim of abuse.
§10A-1-4-506. Taking testimony of child age 12 or under in room other than courtroom - Recording.
§10A-1-4-507. Admissibility of evidence.
§10A-1-4-508. Immunity for testimony – Records – Statements during evaluation or treatment.
§10A-1-4-601. Adjudication hearing.
§10A-1-4-602. Allegations of petition not supported by evidence.
§10A-1-4-603. Order of adjudication finding child to be deprived.
§10A-1-4-701. Reimbursements and costs by parents able to pay.
§10A-1-4-702. Deprived child - Paternity - Support.
§10A-1-4-703. Examination of child – Investigation of home conditions.
§10A-1-4-704. Individualized service plan.
§10A-1-4-706. Dispositional hearing.
§10A-1-4-707. Dispositional orders - Determinations.
§10A-1-4-708. Deprivation based on repeated absence from school.
§10A-1-4-709. Permanent guardianship.
§10A-1-4-711. Motion for modification or termination of a permanent guardianship.
§10A-1-4-712. Authority to establish family drug court – Procedures.
§10A-1-4-713. Family drug court assessment.
§10A-1-4-714. Family drug court program eligibility.
§10A-1-4-715. Family drug court judge - Powers.
§10A-1-4-716. Family drug court costs – Family Drug Court Revolving Fund.
§10A-1-4-801. Stay pending review of release order.
§10A-1-4-802. Hearing to determine release of child from state custody.
§10A-1-4-803. Placement of child in the custody of the Department of Human Services.
§10A-1-4-804. Notification of movement of child in the custody of Department of Human Services.
§10A-1-4-805. Change in foster or group home placement.
§10A-1-4-806. Trial home reunification.
§10A-1-4-807.1. Emergency hearings.
§10A-1-4-808. Review hearing report - Child's access to counsel.
§10A-1-4-809. Findings establishing that reasonable efforts to reunify child are not required.
§10A-1-4-810. Permanency meeting and reports.
§10A-1-4-811. Permanency hearing and findings.
§10A-1-4-812. Determination of eligibility of foster parent to adopt.
§10A-1-4-813. Postadoption agreements with birth relatives.
§10A-1-4-814. Modification of decrees or orders.
§10A-1-4-901. Filing of petition or motion for termination of parental rights.
§10A-1-4-902. Termination motion or petition by district attorney.
§10A-1-4-903. Order to terminate parent-child legal relationship – Show cause.
§10A-1-4-904. Termination of parental rights in certain situations.
§10A-1-4-905. Notice of hearing to terminate parental rights.
§10A-1-4-906. Effect of termination of parental rights.
§10A-1-4-907. Vesting authority to consent to adoption.
§10A-1-4-909. Application by child to reinstate parental rights.
§10A-1-5-101. Appeal of order or decree.
§10A-1-5-102. Initial of child's surname required in court opinions.
§10A-1-6-101. Court to make and keep records - Definitions.
§10A-1-6-102. Confidential records.
§10A-1-6-103. Inspection of records without court order.
§10A-1-6-104. Redaction of other children's information.
§10A-1-6-105. Disclosure of certain information in cases of death or near-death of a child
§10A-1-6-106. Filing of social records with the court.
§10A-1-6-107. Confidentiality - Violation - Penalty.
§10A-1-6-108. Maintenance of records.
§10A-1-7-101. Duties and rights of persons or agencies receiving custody - Exception.
§10A-1-7-102. Responsibility for deprived children.
§10A-1-7-103. Department of Human Services - Additional duties and powers.
§10A-1-7-104. Information to accompany child placed outside child's home – Passport Program.
§10A-1-7-105. Rules, policies and procedures regarding children in Department custody.
§10A-1-7-106. Placement of child into foster care.
§10A-1-7-107. Placement with siblings – Contact and visitation with siblings.
§10A-1-7-108. Liability for costs voluntarily expended by foster parent.
§10A-1-7-109. Foster placements - License or authorization - Exception.
§10A-1-7-110. Grounds for determination of placement.
§10A-1-7-112. Voluntary foster care placement.
§10A-1-7-113. Visitation requirements for the Department of Human Services or child-placing agency.
§10A-1-7-114. Foster parent eligibility assessment – Completion and costs - Reimbursement.
§10A-1-7-115. Emergency placement home - Criminal records check.
§10A-1-7-116. Notice to placement agencies when a child in custody becomes eligible for adoption.
§10A-1-8-104. Mileage fees and witness reimbursement.
§10A-1-8-106. Applicability of the Oklahoma Minor Identification Act.
§10A-1-8-107. Order for transportation of child by sheriff's office - Reimbursement.
§10A-1-8-108. Appointment of legal guardian – Appointment of guardian ad litem.
§10A-1-8-110. Falsification of documents relating to deprived children proceedings - Penalties.
§10A-1-8-111. Annual credit report for youth in custody.
§10A-1-9-101. Community-based programs.
§10A-1-9-102. Multidisciplinary teams - Intervention in reports of abuse or neglect - Duties.
§10A-1-9-103. Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account.
§10A-1-9-103a. Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team Account (CAMTA) Fund.
§10A-1-9-103b. CAMTA Fund – Administration – Purpose - Contents of Fund.
§10A-1-9-104. Allocation of monies in Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Account.
§10A-1-9-104a. Contract with eligible providers.
§10A-1-9-104b. Promulgation of rules.
§10A-1-9-105. Program planning and monitoring.
§10A-1-9-106. Kinship Foster Care Program.
§10A-1-9-107. Successful Adulthood Act - Short title - Purpose.
§10A-1-9-108. Pilot program to serve children at high risk of abuse and neglect.
§10A-1-9-109. Performance-based incentive compensation program for child welfare specialists.
§10A-1-9-110. Community-based services and care for deprived children - Grants and contracts.
§10A-1-9-111. Management, operation and use of children’s shelters.
§10A-1-9-112.1. Investigation of reported abuse or neglect - Written response.
§10A-1-9-112. Office of Client Advocacy.
§10A-1-9-113. Provision of shelter and care to minor mothers who are victims of domestic abuse.
§10A-1-9-115. Foster parent associations - State agencies to cooperate and promote development.
§10A-1-9-116.1. Liability of foster parent.
§10A-1-9-116. Foster parent training and continuing education.
§10A-1-9-117. Allegations against employees of Department or child-placing agency by foster parent.
§10A-1-9-119.1. Rights of children being served by Child Welfare Services.
§10A-1-9-119. Statement of foster parent's rights.
§10A-1-9-120. Grievance procedures for foster parents.
§10A-1-9-122. Supported guardianship program.
§10A-1-9-123. Policies and procedures for children and youth at risk of sex trafficking.
§10A-1-9-124. Zero to Three Court Program.
§10A-2-1-102. Legislative intent - Construction of chapter - Purpose.
§10A-2-2-102. Personal jurisdiction.
§10A-2-2-104.1. Diversion services.
§10A-2-2-104. Preliminary inquiry - Petition.
§10A-2-2-105. Order removing child from home prohibited absent certain determinations.
§10A-2-2-106. Petition - Subsequent pleadings - Amended petitions.
§10A-2-2-107. Summons – Warrant - Service.
§10A-2-2-108. Examination by health care professionals - Order for treatment.
§10A-2-2-301. Conduct of interrogations - Appointment of counsel - Guardians ad litem.
§10A-2-2-401.3. Motion for determination of competency - Competency evaluation.
§10A-2-2-401.4. Credentialed forensic evaluators - Exceptions.
§10A-2-2-401.5. Competency evaluation report.
§10A-2-2-401.6. Competency hearing.
§10A-2-2-401.7. Court responses to competency determination.
§10A-2-2-402. Conduct of adjudicative hearings.
§10A-2-2-403. Preliminary hearing.
§10A-2-2-404. Deferral of delinquency adjudication proceedings.
§10A-2-2-501. Dispositional hearings.
§10A-2-2-502. Recommendation for disposition - Probation - Risk and needs assessment tools.
§10A-2-2-503. Disposition orders - Revocation, modification and redisposition.
§10A-2-2-504. Periodic review of disposition orders.
§10A-2-2-505. Juvenile drug court program.
§10A-2-2-506. Juvenile drug court investigation – Report - Eligibility.
§10A-2-2-507. Juvenile drug court program – Final eligibility hearing – Admittance into program.
§10A-2-2-508. Juvenile drug court program – Periodic review, progress reports and hearings.
§10A-2-2-701. Summons - Bench warrants - Obligations of parent, legal guardian, or custodian.
§10A-2-2-703. Expenses for care and maintenance of child.
§10A-2-2-801. Procedures and requirements for placement of adjudicated children.
§10A-2-2-802. Termination of parental rights.
§10A-2-2-803. Review and assessment of children committed to Office of Juvenile Affairs.
§10A-2-2-804. Child in need of mental health treatment.
§10A-2-3-103. Temporary detention - Transportation - Certification of juvenile detention facilities.
§10A-2-3-105. Grievance process for children.
§10A-2-4-101. Juvenile bureau and citizens' advisory committee.
§10A-2-4-102. Director and other personnel.
§10A-2-4-103. Administrative work of court - Uniformity of procedures and care.
§10A-2-4-104. Investigations and reports - Legal proceedings.
§10A-2-4-105. Arrests - Service of process.
§10A-2-4-106. Transportation of juveniles - Expenses.
§10A-2-4-107. Salaries and expenses - Offices and equipment.
§10A-2-4-108. Detention and group homes.
§10A-2-4-109. Citizens' advisory committee.
§10A-2-4-110. Appointment of personnel for Juvenile Docket of district court.
§10A-2-5-201. Short title - Youthful Offender Act.
§10A-2-5-202. Definitions – Purpose – Legislative intent.
§10A-2-5-203. Court proceedings - Jurisdiction.
§10A-2-5-205. Certification as youthful offender or juvenile.
§10A-2-5-206A. Motion for certification as a juvenile - Certification study - Guidelines.
§10A-2-5-207A. Motion for imposition of adult sentence - Certification study - Guidelines.
§10A-2-5-209A. Youthful offender review hearing - Extended jurisdiction.
§10A-2-5-211. Commitment to Department of Corrections - Judgment and sentence.
§10A-2-5-301. Educational needs during confinement or incarceration.
§10A-2-6-101. Court to keep records - Definitions.
§10A-2-6-102. Confidential juvenile records.
§10A-2-6-103. Confidentiality of social records.
§10A-2-6-104. Inspection and disclosure of confidential records without court order.
§10A-2-6-105. Inspection and disclosure of juvenile court records without court order.
§10A-2-6-106. Inspection and disclosure of Office of Juvenile Affairs records without court order.
§10A-2-6-107. Fingerprinting of persons under 18.
§10A-2-6-109. Expungement of juvenile court record.
§10A-2-6-110. Procedures for providing certain records to sheriffs - Confidentiality.
§10A-2-7-101. Board of Juvenile Affairs - Members - Duties and responsibilities.
§10A-2-7-201. Executive Director - Qualifications - Powers and duties.
§10A-2-7-202. Creation of office - Powers and duties.
§10A-2-7-203. Agreement with Supreme Court.
§10A-2-7-302. Division of Advocate Defender - Advocate General - Duties and responsibilities.
§10A-2-7-303. Community-based programs.
§10A-2-7-304. Financial agreements.
§10A-2-7-307. Cooperative agreements with Department of Human Services.
§10A-2-7-309. Department planning process for services to children and youth.
§10A-2-7-310. Defining services and programs.
§10A-2-7-401. Juvenile Detention Improvement Revolving Fund.
§10A-2-7-402. Court and hearing costs of Office of Juvenile Affairs - Special agency account.
§10A-2-7-501. Intake and probation services - Services related to juvenile offenders.
§10A-2-7-503. Delinquent children - Intent of Legislature - Powers and duties of Office.
§10A-2-7-504. Discharge of children adjudicated delinquent – Retention of custody and jurisdiction.
§10A-2-7-603. Rules, policies and procedures required in facilities.
§10A-2-7-604. Physical force, when authorized - Mechanical restraints – Chemical agents.
§10A-2-7-605. Run away or AWOL from a staff secure or nonsecure placement.
§10A-2-7-606. Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center - Supervision, management and control.
§10A-2-7-607. Lloyd E. Rader Children's Center - Administration and control.
§10A-2-7-609. Facilities and residential programs – Legislative intent.
§10A-2-7-611. Secure facilities - Certification - Violations.
§10A-2-7-612. Office of Juvenile Affairs - Sale of surplus real estate.
§10A-2-7-613. Office of Juvenile Affairs - Foster care.
§10A-2-7-614. Foster care - Requirement of licensing standards.
§10A-2-7-615. Foster care - Contract requirements.
§10A-2-7-616. Board of Juvenile Affairs - Charter school
§10A-2-7-617. Certification for secure detention center - Criminal history records search
§10A-2-7-618. Construction strategy for campus modifications - Best-value option.
§10A-2-7-619. Public/private partnership - Authority to sell OJA campus property.
§10A-2-7-701. Short title - Purpose - Intent.
§10A-2-7-704. Eligibility for contracts - Contract criteria - Duties of recipients.
§10A-2-7-801. Juvenile Offender Victim Restitution Work Program.
§10A-2-7-802. Juvenile Justice Public Works Program.
§10A-2-7-901. Juvenile Offender Tracking Program - Purpose.
§10A-2-7-903. Juvenile Offender Tracking Program - Components.
§10A-2-7-904. Implementation of Program - Duties of state and local agencies.
§10A-2-8-102. Juvenile sex offender defined.
§10A-2-8-103. Juvenile sex offender registry - Information included.
§10A-2-8-104. Application register - Criteria for qualifying - Court order.
§10A-2-8-105. Juvenile sex offenders ordered to probation - Notification of duty to register.
§10A-2-8-106. Annual registration - Notification of change of name and address.
§10A-2-8-107. Failure to register or provide notification of change of name or address.
§10A-2-8-108. Transfer of registration to adult sex offender registry - Petition.
§10A-2-8-109. Juveniles not subject to act.
§10A-2-8-110. Disclosure of information - Immunity from liability.
§10A-2-8-112. Rules, procedures, and forms.
§10A-2-8-221. Transmission of obscenity and child pornography.
§10A-2-8-222. Intoxicating beverages or low-point beer - Possession by persons under age 21.
§10A-2-9-104. Interstate Commission for Juveniles.
§10A-2-9-105. Interstate Commission - Powers and duties.
§10A-2-9-106. Interstate Commission - Organization and operation.
§10A-2-9-107. Interstate Commission - Rulemaking.
§10A-2-9-108. Interstate Commission - Oversight, enforcement and dispute resolution.
§10A-2-9-111. Compacting states - Effective date - Amendment.
§10A-2-9-112. Withdrawal - Default - Termination - Judicial enforcement.
§10A-2-9-113. Severability and construction.
§10A-2-9-114. Binding effect - Other laws.
§10A-2-9-115. Appointing authority - Compact administrator.
§10A-2-9-116. State Council for Interstate Juveniles Supervision.
§10A-2-10-101. Oklahoma Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents Program - Purpose.