This bill amends the Oklahoma Juvenile Code to enhance the Oklahoma Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents Program. It modifies the program's purpose to include not only children of incarcerated parents but also those at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The bill removes the requirement for one-to-one mentoring relationships and the specific criteria for children to be in custody or placed outside the home. It also updates the eligibility criteria for organizations applying to administer the program, allowing only nonprofit organizations that meet specific requirements, including a minimum of three years of experience working with high-risk populations.
Additionally, the bill establishes a new timeline for the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to issue requests for proposals every three years and outlines the competitive bid process for awarding grants. The Commission is tasked with reviewing applications for compliance and ensuring that selected applicants provide mentoring services effectively. The bill also includes provisions for the Commission to promulgate necessary rules and procedures for implementation. The effective date for this act is set for November 1, 2026.