Case: D.G. v. Henry

4:08-cv-00074 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma

Filed Date: Feb. 13, 2008

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The plaintiffs, represented by Children's Rights, filed this class action suit against the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) in February 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The complaint alleged violations of the First, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, 42 U.S.C. § 670 et seq., and Oklahoma state …

The plaintiffs, represented by Children's Rights, filed this class action suit against the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) in February 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The complaint alleged violations of the First, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, 42 U.S.C. § 670 et seq., and Oklahoma state law. The complaint alleged that DHS placed children in dangerous and inappropriate placements, including extended stays in emergency shelters; failed to monitor the safety of children in DHS custody due to excessive case worker caseloads; failed to provide mental health and other behavioral services; and failed to provide legal representation. The plaintiffs sought declaratory relief and a permanent injunction enjoining defendants from subjecting plaintiffs to practices that violate their constitutional rights.

In April 2008, the defendants moved to dismiss the case and several Oklahoma-based children's agencies filed amici curiae briefs in response. In January 2009, Judge Gregory K. Frizzell granted the motion to dismiss claims under federal common law and the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, but denied the motion with regard to the other claims. D.G. v. Henry, 594 F. Supp. 2d 1273 (N.D. Okl. 2009).

On May 5, 2009, the court certified the class of the plaintiffs as all children who are or will be in the legal custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (1) due to a report or suspicion of abuse or neglect; or (2) who are or will be adjudicated deprived due to abuse or neglect. The defendants appealed the ruling to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, but in February 2010, the appellate court upheld the class certification.

The parties then engaged in extensive and contested discovery. The plaintiffs provided five expert reports and filed numerous motions to compel the defendants to produce various items. The defendants again moved to dismiss the case and to decertify the class. In November and December 2011, the court denied the motion to decertify and granted the motions to dismiss only as to claims pertaining to rights of familial association and procedural due process. The case proceeded towards a trial scheduled for February 2012.

Meanwhile, the parties engaged in court-supervised settlement conferences. By January 2012, they negotiated an agreement providing for structural reorganization of DHS and appointed experts to oversee the development and implementation of the Compromise Settlement Agreement (CSA). After a series of fairness hearings, the court approved the CSA on February 29, 2012.

The CSA implementation plans provided that the defendant DHS would restructure its agency; improve screening, investigating, and reporting of abuse; reduce the use of emergency shelters; and reduce workloads and improve training for caseworkers. The parties agreed to designate three individuals as Co-Neutrals to act as arbiters of any dispute arising out of the CSA and to evaluate and render judgments about DHS's ongoing compliance efforts. The implementation of the CSA would take at least five years. Additionally, on March 31, 2013, the Court ordered the defendants to pay attorneys' fees and expenses in the amount of about $6 million.

Although DHS originally planned to exit from the CSA in December 2016, it was unable to do so for failure to adequately comply with its terms. In their August 2018 report, the Co-Neutrals noted that although DHS had made important advancements over the course of its reform, those advances were not yet fully instituted, particularly with respect to manageable caseloads and an adequate array of placements for children. The report noted that in some areas, most critically safety for children in the care and custody of DHS, the department’s efforts had been inadequate.

In May 2018, the Co-Neutrals requested that the Court suspend the operations of a particular children's center for failure to comply with the CSA. The Court granted this request and DHS complied by relocating the children from that center.

The Co-Neutrals' monitoring of DHS's compliance with the CSA is still ongoing, but as of May 22, 2020, the case has been dormant since mid-2018.

Summary Authors

Elizabeth Homan (12/21/2012)

Katherine Reineck (1/30/2016)

Eva Richardson (12/25/2018)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4364181/parties/dg-v-henry/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Almonrode, Patrick S. (New York)

Barber, Philip (New York)

Bauer, Andrew B. (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Askew, Thomas Martin (Oklahoma)

Barnett, Elizabeth (Oklahoma)

Judge(s)

Frizzell, Gregory Kent (Oklahoma)

McCarthy, Frank H. (Oklahoma)

Siler, Eugene Edward Jr. (Kentucky)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:08-cv-00074

Docket [PACER]

July 13, 2018

July 13, 2018

Docket
2

4:08-cv-00074

Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief and Request for Class Action

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

Complaint
189

4:08-cv-00074

Opinion and Order

Dec. 11, 2008

Dec. 11, 2008

Order/Opinion

591 F.Supp.2d 591

220

4:08-cv-00074

Opinion and Order

Jan. 19, 2009

Jan. 19, 2009

Order/Opinion

594 F.Supp.2d 594

249

4:08-cv-00074

Opinion and Order

Feb. 20, 2009

Feb. 20, 2009

Order/Opinion

2009 WL 2009

260

4:08-cv-00074

Opinion and Order

April 15, 2009

April 15, 2009

Order/Opinion

2009 WL 2009

270

4:08-cv-00074

Reporter's Transcript of Proceedings

May 5, 2009

May 5, 2009

Transcript
324

0:09-05093

Opinion and Order from the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

DG v. Devaughn

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

Feb. 8, 2010

Feb. 8, 2010

Order/Opinion

594 F.3d 594

329

0:09-05093

RE: 09-5093, DG, et al v. DeVaughn, et al

D.G. v. DeVaughn

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

March 2, 2010

March 2, 2010

Correspondence
336

4:08-cv-00074

Opinion and Order

March 24, 2010

March 24, 2010

Order/Opinion

2010 WL 2010

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4364181/dg-v-henry/

Last updated March 26, 2024, 3 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

CIVIL COVER SHEET by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (lml, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
2

COMPLAINT against all defendants by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (lml, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

RECAP
3

FILING FEES Paid in Full by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (lml, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
4

MOTION to Certify Class, MOTION for Appointment of Counsel and Brief in Support Thereof by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (With attachments) (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
5

MOTION for Attorney(s) Marcia Robinson Lowry to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391017) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
6

MOTION for Attorney(s) Ira P. Lustbader to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391037) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
7

MOTION for Attorney(s) Yasmin Grewal-Kok to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391046) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
8

MOTION for Attorney(s) Jeremiah Frei-Pearson to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391051) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
9

MOTION for Attorney(s) Phillip A. Geraci to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391095) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
10

MOTION for Attorney(s) Mark A. Beckman to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391107) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
11

MOTION for Attorney(s) Nadine Fontaine to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391111) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
12

MOTION for Attorney(s) Carly Henek to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391135) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
13

MOTION for Attorney(s) Andrew Bauer to be Admitted Pro Hac Vice (paid $75 PHV fee; receipt number 10850000000000391138) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/13/2008)

Feb. 13, 2008

Feb. 13, 2008

PACER
14

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 5 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
15

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 6 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
16

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 7 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) Modified on 2/15/2008 ENTERED IN ERROR -NO SIGNATURE ON PDF; SEE 23 FOR SIGNED PDF (crp, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
17

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 8 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
18

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 9 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
19

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 10 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) Modified on 2/15/2008 ENTERED IN ERROR - NO SIGNATURE ON PDF; SEE 24 FOR SIGNED PDF (crp, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
20

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 11 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
21

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 13 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
22

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell ; granting 12 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
23

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell (Re: 16 Order, Ruling on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice ) (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
24

ORDER by Judge Gregory K Frizzell (Re: 19 Order, Ruling on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice ) (hbo, Dpty Clk) (Entered: 02/14/2008)

Feb. 14, 2008

Feb. 14, 2008

PACER
25

WAIVER of Service of Summons sent to C Brad Henry Returned Executed (Re: 2 Complaint ) by J.P., R.J., G.C., K.T., D.G., C.S., J.B., A.P., J.A. (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 02/15/2008)

Feb. 15, 2008

Feb. 15, 2008

PACER
26

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Donald Mitchell Bingham on behalf of Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Wayne Cunningham, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick (Bingham, Donald) (Entered: 02/29/2008)

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 29, 2008

PACER
27

Opposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion (Re: 4 MOTION to Certify Class MOTION for Appointment of Counsel and Brief in Support Thereof ) by Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Wayne Cunningham, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick (Bingham, Donald) Modified on 3/3/2008 to remove C Brad Henry as a filer (sac, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 02/29/2008)

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 29, 2008

PACER
28

BRIEF in Support of Motion (Re: 27 Opposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion ) by C Brad Henry, Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Wayne Cunningham, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick ; (Bingham, Donald) Modified on 3/3/2008; this ENTRY MADE IN ERROR - wrong PDF attached - counsel notified to REFILE within 24 hours (sac, Dpty Clk). (Entered: 02/29/2008)

Feb. 29, 2008

Feb. 29, 2008

PACER

Notice of Docket Entry Modification

March 3, 2008

March 3, 2008

PACER
29

BRIEF in Support of Motion (Re: 27 Opposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion ) by Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Wayne Cunningham, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick ; (Bingham, Donald) (Entered: 03/04/2008)

March 4, 2008

March 4, 2008

PACER
30

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Donna Marie De Simone on behalf of Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Wayne Cunningham, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick (De Simone, Donna) (Entered: 03/04/2008)

March 4, 2008

March 4, 2008

PACER
31

RESPONSE in Opposition to Motion (Re: 27 Opposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion ) by JP, RJ, GC, KT, DG, CS, JB, AP, JA ; (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 03/04/2008)

March 4, 2008

March 4, 2008

PACER
32

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Melvin Curtis Hall on behalf of Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Wayne Cunningham, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick (Hall, Melvin) (Entered: 03/07/2008)

March 7, 2008

March 7, 2008

PACER
33

CERTIFICATE of Service (Re: 32 Appearance - Attorney, ) by Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Wayne Cunningham, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick (Hall, Melvin) (Entered: 03/10/2008)

March 10, 2008

March 10, 2008

PACER
34

NOTICE of Dismissal, dismissing Wayne Cunningham, (Re: 2 Complaint ) by JP, RJ, GC, KT, DG, CS, JB, AP, JA (Dorwart, Frederic) (Entered: 03/11/2008)

March 11, 2008

March 11, 2008

PACER
35

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Paul DeMuro on behalf of JP, RJ, GC, KT, DG, CS, JB, AP, JA (DeMuro, Paul) (Entered: 03/11/2008)

March 11, 2008

March 11, 2008

PACER
36

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Joseph W Strealy on behalf of Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick (Strealy, Joseph) (Entered: 03/13/2008)

March 13, 2008

March 13, 2008

PACER
37

ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Richard Weldon Freeman, Jr on behalf of Richard L DeVaughn, Ronald L Mercer, Jay Dee Chase, Patrice Dills Douglas, Michael L Peck, Garoldine Webb, Aneta F Wilkinson, George E Young, Sr, Howard H Hendrick (Freeman, Richard) (Entered: 03/13/2008)

March 13, 2008

March 13, 2008

PACER
38

Appearance - Attorney

March 17, 2008

March 17, 2008

PACER
39

Reply to Response to Motion

March 18, 2008

March 18, 2008

PACER
40

Errata/Correction to Document

March 19, 2008

March 19, 2008

PACER
41

Appearance - Attorney

March 20, 2008

March 20, 2008

PACER

Notice of Docket Entry Modification

March 24, 2008

March 24, 2008

PACER
42

Order

March 24, 2008

March 24, 2008

PACER
43

Motion to Compel

March 25, 2008

March 25, 2008

PACER
45

Motion for Protective Order

March 25, 2008

March 25, 2008

PACER
44

Minute Order

March 26, 2008

March 26, 2008

PACER

Notice of Docket Entry Modification

March 27, 2008

March 27, 2008

PACER
46

Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s)

March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008

PACER
47

Brief in Support of Motion

March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008

PACER
48

Appearance - Attorney

March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008

PACER
49

Response in Opposition to Motion

March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008

PACER
50

Response in Opposition to Motion

March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008

PACER
51

Minutes of Motion Hearing

March 31, 2008

March 31, 2008

PACER

Motion(s) Referred

April 1, 2008

April 1, 2008

PACER
52

Motion to Accelerate/Extend/Reset Hearing(s)/Deadline(s)

April 2, 2008

April 2, 2008

PACER
53

Order

April 2, 2008

April 2, 2008

PACER
54

Order

April 2, 2008

April 2, 2008

PACER
55

Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

April 4, 2008

April 4, 2008

PACER
56

Order

April 7, 2008

April 7, 2008

PACER
57

Appearance - Attorney

April 11, 2008

April 11, 2008

PACER
58

Motion to Dismiss

April 11, 2008

April 11, 2008

PACER
59

Motion to Reconsider

April 16, 2008

April 16, 2008

PACER
60

Brief in Support of Motion

April 16, 2008

April 16, 2008

PACER
61

Minute Order

April 17, 2008

April 17, 2008

PACER
62

Motion for Protective Order

April 18, 2008

April 18, 2008

PACER
65

Motion to Expedite Ruling

April 18, 2008

April 18, 2008

PACER

Motion(s) Referred

April 21, 2008

April 21, 2008

PACER

Notice of Docket Entry Modification

April 21, 2008

April 21, 2008

PACER
63

Appearance - Attorney

April 21, 2008

April 21, 2008

PACER
64

Motion to Exceed Page Limitation

April 21, 2008

April 21, 2008

PACER
66

Order

April 23, 2008

April 23, 2008

PACER
67

Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

April 23, 2008

April 23, 2008

PACER
68

OPINION AND ORDER by Magistrate Judge Frank H McCarthy ; setting/resetting deadline(s)/hearing(s): ( Miscellaneous Deadline set for 4/29/2008, Miscellaneous Hearing set for 4/30/2008 at 09:30 AM before Magistrate Judge Frank H McCarthy); denying 65 Motion to Expedite Ruling (FHM1, Chambers)

April 23, 2008

April 23, 2008

RECAP
69

Motion to Exceed Page Limitation

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

PACER
70

Errata/Correction to Document

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

PACER
71

Order

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

PACER
72

Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

PACER
73

Motion to Seal Document(s)

April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

PACER
74

Order

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

PACER
75

Order

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

PACER
76

Sealed Document

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

PACER
77

Motion to Dismiss

1 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

April 28, 2008

April 28, 2008

PACER
78

Brief in Support of Motion

April 28, 2008

April 28, 2008

PACER
79

Notice (Other)

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

PACER
80

Status Report

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

PACER
81

Setting/Resetting Deadline(s)/Hearing(s)

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

PACER
82

Response in Opposition to Motion

April 29, 2008

April 29, 2008

PACER
83

Response in Opposition to Motion

May 5, 2008

May 5, 2008

PACER
84

Motion for Protective Order

May 5, 2008

May 5, 2008

PACER
85

Brief in Support of Motion

May 5, 2008

May 5, 2008

RECAP
86

Response in Opposition to Motion

May 5, 2008

May 5, 2008

PACER
87

Reply to Response to Motion

May 12, 2008

May 12, 2008

PACER
88

Appearance - Attorney

May 12, 2008

May 12, 2008

PACER
89

Response in Opposition to Motion

May 12, 2008

May 12, 2008

PACER
90

Motion to Exceed Page Limitation

May 14, 2008

May 14, 2008

PACER
91

Order

May 15, 2008

May 15, 2008

PACER
92

Motion to Supplement

May 15, 2008

May 15, 2008

PACER
93

Errata/Correction to Document

May 15, 2008

May 15, 2008

PACER
94

Order

May 16, 2008

May 16, 2008

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Oklahoma

Case Type(s):

Child Welfare

Special Collection(s):

Post-WalMart decisions on class certification

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 13, 2008

Case Ongoing: Perhaps, but long-dormant

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The class of plaintiffs includes all children who are or will be in the legal custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (1) due to a report or suspicion of abuse or neglect; or (2) who are or will be adjudicated deprived due to abuse or neglect.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Children's Rights, Inc.

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Oklahoma, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (AACWA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 620 et seq.

Adoption Assistance Program, 42 U.S.C. §§ 670 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Attorneys fees

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Litigation

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 6,011,888.80

Order Duration: 2012 - 2019

Content of Injunction:

Hire

Other requirements regarding hiring, promotion, retention

Reporting

Monitor/Master

Auditing

Goals (e.g., for hiring, admissions)

Issues

General:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

Access to public accommodations - governmental

Adoption

Classification / placement

Counseling

Emergency shelter

Failure to supervise

Failure to train

Family reunification

Foster care (benefits, training)

Funding

Incident/accident reporting & investigations

Individualized planning

Juveniles

Neglect by staff

Parents (visitation, involvement)

Placement in shelters

Siblings (visitation, placement)

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Timeliness of case assignment

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Crowding / caseload

Disability and Disability Rights:

Special education

Benefit Source:

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act