1. A. At any hearing pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Children's Code for the purpose of determining that a child in state custody is to be released from state custody, the court shall provide an opportunity to a representative of the Department of Human Services, the present foster parent, the guardian ad litem and the child, if of sufficient age as determined by the court, to present sworn testimony regarding the release of the child from state custody.
2. B. The court, the district attorney or the attorneys for the parties may cross examine the representative of the Department of Human Services, the child, if of sufficient age as determined by the court, the present foster parents, and the guardian ad litum.
3. C. The court shall issue written findings of fact and conclusions of law. All hearings concerning such cases shall be on the record. The failure of any court to provide an opportunity to a representative of the Department of Human Services or to the present foster parent, the guardian ad litem and to the child, if of sufficient age as determined by the court, to present the sworn testimony pursuant to this section shall be subject to immediate mandamus to an appropriate court.

Laws 1996, HB 2053, c. 200, § 8, eff. November 1, 1996; Amended by Laws 1998, SB 1224, c. 421, § 24, emerg. eff. June 11, 1998 (superseded document available).