A new piece of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for minors in juvenile detention centers is one step away from becoming law. Senate Bill 870, also known as the Accountability, Transparency, and Protection for Exploited Youth Act, has passed through the legislative process and is now heading to the governor’s desk for approval.
Authored by Rep. Danny Williams (R-Seminole) and Sen. Dave Rader (R-Tulsa), the bill is a direct response to increasing concerns about sexual misconduct and exploitation in state-run and contracted juvenile facilities. If signed into law, the bill will hold facilities and individuals accountable for failing to report incidents of sexual misconduct involving staff and minors.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 870
- Mandatory Reporting: Employees, contractors, and volunteers working in juvenile detention centers and group homes under the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) must report any sexual misconduct or exploitation involving minors, staff, or contractors to both the facility supervisor and the OJA’s Independent Oversight Committee (IOC).
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to report such incidents will result in felony charges punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Facilities and individuals may also face civil fines of up to $50,000.
- Training and Accountability: Facilities are required to ensure their staff receive proper training in mandatory reporting protocols. Failure to train employees properly could lead to civil liability.
- Report Forwarding: All reports of abuse must be forwarded to the district attorney in the jurisdiction where the abuse took place.
- Limited Access to Records: Access to records related to allegations or confirmed abuse cases will be granted only to those directly involved in the incident. Victims’ privacy will be protected in line with confidentiality requirements.
Sen. Dave Rader, who co-authored the bill, emphasized the importance of making it clear to all juvenile facility staff that reporting misconduct is a legal requirement. “This legislation makes it abundantly clear that anyone working in a juvenile facility who becomes aware of sexual misconduct is legally required to report it,” said Rader. “The goal is to ensure that anyone in a position to act as a whistleblower fully understands their responsibility to protect vulnerable minors.”
A Victory for Vulnerable Oklahoma Youth
Colleen McCarty, executive director of the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, praised the bill as a major step forward in juvenile justice reform. “This law is a victory for children who have been voiceless for too long,” McCarty said. “It sets clear expectations for those in power and provides a pathway to justice when those expectations are violated.”
The bill has received overwhelming support from legislators, with its passage signaling a statewide commitment to ensuring that youth in state custody are protected from sexual exploitation and abuse. Rep. Williams stressed the significance of the legislation in safeguarding the most vulnerable children in Oklahoma.
“If the state takes custody of a child, we also take full responsibility for their safety,” said Williams. “Senate Bill 870 makes sure no one can look the other way when abuse happens, and that there are serious consequences if they do.”
Moving Toward Justice
For survivors of abuse in juvenile detention centers, this bill represents an important step toward accountability and justice. The law’s focus on mandatory reporting is aimed at preventing abuse and ensuring that any misconduct is promptly addressed. The provisions included in the bill will also provide a clearer path for legal recourse, with survivors able to pursue action through both the criminal and civil justice systems.
We Can Help
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in a juvenile facility, it is crucial to understand your rights and legal options. Helping Survivors is here to support victims in seeking justice, whether you have already come forward or if you have yet to report the abuse. Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from taking action. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn more about your rights and the legal remedies available to you.
