Okla. Stat. tit. 10A, § 1-1-102
Legislative Intent - Purpose
Effective Jul 1, 1995Laws 1968, SB 446, c. 282, § 129, eff. January 13, 1969; Amended by Laws 1982, HB 1468, c. 312, § 25, eff. October 1, 1982; Amended by Laws 1992, HB 1544, c. 298, § 31, emerg. eff. July 1, 1993; Amended by Laws 1994, HB 2640, c. 290, § 2, emerg. eff. July 1, 1994; Amended by Laws 1995, HB 1978, c. 352, § 2, emerg. eff. July 1, 1995; Renumbered from 10 O.S. § 1129 by Laws 1995, HB 1978, c. 352, § 199, emerg. eff. July 1, 1995.
It is the intent of the Legislature that Chapter 51 of this title shall be liberally construed, to the end that its purpose may be carried out:
- 1. Secure for each such child, the care and guidance as will best serve the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical welfare of the child;
- 2. Provide judicial procedures which protect the welfare of the child;
- 3. Preserve and strengthen the child's family ties whenever possible and in the child's best interests. Give family reunification or rehabilitation priority as a means for protecting the welfare of children, but recognizing that the right to family integrity is limited by the right of children to be protected from abuse and neglect. To this effect, removing the child from the custody of parents when the child's welfare is in danger or the child's safety cannot be adequately safeguarded without removal. When removal from the child's own family is necessary and in the child's best interests, the care and custody and discipline of the child shall approximate, as nearly as may be, that which should be given by its parents, recognizing that permanency is in the best interests of the child when family rehabilitation and reunification is not possible or in the best interests of the child; and
- 4. Assure adequate and appropriate care and treatment for the child, with the use of the least restrictive method of treatment or placement consistent with the treatment or placement needs of the child.
The paramount consideration in all proceedings concerning a child alleged or found to be deprived is the best interests of the child. The purpose of the laws relating to children alleged or found to be deprived is to:
Laws 1968, SB 446, c. 282, § 129, eff. January 13, 1969; Amended by Laws 1982, HB 1468, c. 312, § 25, eff. October 1, 1982; Amended by Laws 1992, HB 1544, c. 298, § 31, emerg. eff. July 1, 1993; Amended by Laws 1994, HB 2640, c. 290, § 2, emerg. eff. July 1, 1994; Amended by Laws 1995, HB 1978, c. 352, § 2, emerg. eff. July 1, 1995; Renumbered from 10 O.S. § 1129 by Laws 1995, HB 1978, c. 352, § 199, emerg. eff. July 1, 1995.