A. 1. a.If a parent or legal guardian of the child requests an attorney and is found to be indigent, counsel may be appointed by the court at the emergency custody hearing and shall be appointed if a petition has been filed alleging that the child is a deprived child; provided, that the court may appoint counsel without such request if it deems representation by counsel necessary to protect the interest of the parent, legal guardian, or custodian.
2.a.The court may appoint an attorney or a guardian ad litem for the child when an emergency custody hearing is held; provided, that when a petition is filed alleging the child to be deprived, the court shall appoint a separate attorney for the child, who shall not be a district attorney, regardless of any attempted waiver by the parent, legal guardian or custodian of the child of the right of the child to be represented by counsel. The child's attorney shall be independent of and not selected by the district attorney, the child's parent, legal guardian, or custodian. If financially capable, the parent, legal guardian or custodian shall reimburse the Court Fund for the services of a court-appointed attorney for the child.
The attorney shall make such further inquiry as the attorney deems necessary to ascertain the facts, to interview witnesses, examine and cross-examine witnesses, make recommendations to the court and participate further in the proceedings to the degree appropriate for adequately representing the interests of the child. A child is a party to all deprived proceedings and is therefore able to participate as fully as the parents and the district attorney in all aspects of the proceedings including, but not limited to, voir dire, cross-examination, the subpoena of witnesses, and opening and closing statements.
3. The attorney shall be allowed a reasonable fee for such services as determined by the court.
4. When an attorney is required to travel to more than one district court location in order to represent a parent, a child, or children whom the attorney has been court-appointed to represent, the court may in its discretion allow the attorney a reasonable reimbursement for mileage.
5. The court shall ensure that the child is represented by independent counsel throughout the pendency of the deprived action.
B. 1. After a petition is filed, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem upon the request of the child or the attorney of the child, and may appoint a guardian ad litem sua sponte or upon the request of the Department of Human Services, a licensed child-placing agency, or another party to the action.
2. A guardian ad litem shall not be a district attorney, an employee of the office of the district attorney, the child's attorney, an employee of the court, an employee of a juvenile bureau, or an employee of any public agency having duties or responsibilities towards the child.
3. The guardian ad litem shall be appointed to objectively advocate on behalf of the child and act as an officer of the court to investigate all matters concerning the best interests of the child. In addition to other duties required by the court and as specified by the court, a guardian ad litem shall have the following responsibilities:
4. The guardian ad litem shall be given access to the court files and agency files and access to all documents, reports, records and other information relevant to the case and to any records and reports of examination of the child's parent or other custodian, made pursuant to the laws relating to child abuse and neglect including reports generated by service providers.
5. The Oklahoma Bar Association shall develop a standard operating manual for guardians ad litem which shall include, but not be limited to, legal obligations and responsibilities, information concerning child abuse, child development, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and parent and child behavioral health and management including best practices. After publication of the manual, all guardians ad litem shall certify to the court in which he or she is appointed as a guardian ad litem that the manual has been read and all provisions contained therein are understood. The guardian ad litem shall also certify that he or she agrees to follow the best practices described within the standard operating manual. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall provide public access to the standard operating manual by providing a link to the manual on the Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) website.
C. 1. Whenever a court-appointed special advocate program is available to the court to serve as a guardian ad litem, priority may be given to appointment of the court-appointed special advocate to serve as guardian ad litem for the child regardless of whether a guardian ad litem has been requested pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.
2. For purposes of the Oklahoma Children's Code, a "court-appointed special advocate" and a "guardian ad litem" shall have the same function except as otherwise provided by law. In like manner, a court-appointed special advocate, except as specifically otherwise provided by law or by the court, shall have the same power, duties, and responsibilities as assigned to a guardian ad litem by law and shall have such other qualifications, duties, and responsibilities as may be prescribed by rule by the Supreme Court.
3. A court-appointed special advocate shall serve without compensation.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 282, § 109, eff. Jan. 13, 1969. Amended by Laws 1970, c. 226, § 1; Laws 1971, c. 66, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1971; Laws 1977, c. 259, § 10, eff. Oct. 1, 1977; Laws 1979, c. 257, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 1979; Laws 1982, c. 312, § 20, operative Oct. 1, 1982; Laws 1985, c. 313, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1985; Laws 1986, c. 263, § 4, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1989, c. 363, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1991, c. 296, § 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 298, § 22, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 1994, c. 290, § 37, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1995, c. 352, § 21, eff. July 1, 1995. Renumbered from § 1109 of Title 10 by Laws 1995, c. 352, § 199, eff. July 1, 1995. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 200, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1997, c. 386, § 4, emerg. eff. June 10, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 5, § 3, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998; Laws 1998, c. 421, § 12, emerg. eff. June 11, 1998; Laws 2000, c. 374, § 13, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2006, c. 205, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2006; Laws 2007, c. 1, § 3, emerg. eff. Feb. 22, 2007; Laws 2007, c. 268, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2007; Laws 2009, c. 233, § 26, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009. Renumbered from § 7003-3.7 of Title 10 by Laws 2009, c. 233, § 234, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009. Amended by Laws 2011, c. 129, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2011; Laws 2015, c. 271, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2015; Laws 2019, c. 417, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2019; Laws 2022, c. 34, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2022.
NOTE: Laws 1997, c. 366, § 55 repealed by Laws 1998, c. 5, § 29, emerg. eff. March 4, 1998. Laws 2006, c. 136, § 1 repealed by Laws 2007, c. 1, § 4, emerg. eff. Feb. 22, 2007.
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.