OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge has given final approval to a settlement agreement between the Department of Human Services and a national child advocacy group that sued the agency over the safety of foster children in its care.
U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell OK'd the settlement at a fairness hearing in Tulsa on Wednesday, ending nearly four years of litigation between the department and New York-based Children's Rights.
The settlement calls for the agency to prepare a plan to better prevent child abuse and neglect in care and make other improvements.
Tulsa attorney Frederic Dorwart represented the plaintiffs, and said he was excited about the outcome.
Department of Human Services Director Howard Hendrick says DHS is committed to the safety and well-being of the children it serves.