Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth

Not every crisis looks like a crisis. Sometimes it looks like a child struggling to regulate emotions, a caregiver searching for answers or a family trying to stay connected through difficult circumstances.

That perspective guided Responding to Crisis in Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Families, led by Bonni Goodwin, Ph.D., LCSW. Professionals explored how trauma, loss and attachment disruption can affect children and families, and how coordinated support can strengthen outcomes. The two photos offer a glimpse into the discussion.

What does it mean to truly meet families where they are?

That question was at the heart of the Potts Family Foundation Family Resource Center Conference, where OCCY Parent Partnership Board member Darryl Savell shared insights from lived experience during his presentation, "Meeting Families Where They Are & Why It Matters."

His message encouraged attendees to look beyond services and focus on what builds lasting connections with families: trust, understanding and being heard.

Big goals are easy. Building a roadmap to get there? That's the hard part.

This week, the OCCY Parent Partnership Board worked with Ed Long of MetaFund to turn vision into action through strategic planning and outcome mapping.

The focus wasn't on big ideas. It was on how to measure progress, stay accountable, and make sure the work delivers results for Oklahoma children and families.

These photos offer a glimpse into the conversations, collaboration, and problem-solving that are helping shape the next chapter of the Board's work.

MetaFund | Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness

You do not have to work in child welfare to make a difference in a child's life. The FIRST Response to Alleged Child Maltreatment virtual training by Zero Abuse Project gives community members and professionals the tools to respond when a child needs help most.

Take the next step in protecting children in your community. Register now: tinyurl.com/OCCY-062626

Proof that not every meeting could have been an email. 🙃😉😄

Over two days in Tulsa, future Parent Café hosts spent time doing something we do not always make enough room for: listening, sharing experiences, and practicing how to lead conversations that help parents and caregivers connect with one another.

Through the Be Strong Families Parent Café model, participants learned how to create welcoming spaces where families can share experiences, build connections, and learn from each other.

Many photos show participants getting to know each other. Then came the small-group discussions, activities, and practice sessions. By the end of the training, participants were leading conversations themselves and preparing to bring Parent Cafés back to their own communities.

If you're wondering what Parent Café training actually looks like, the photos tell the story better than we can.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma for hosting us. 💚💚💚

Meet the 2026 Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council members and discover how their voices are helping shape Oklahoma's future.

How can youth perspectives improve systems and services across our state? These young leaders are helping inform conversations that influence policies, programs and supports for youth and families.

Read more at: tinyurl.com/OYAC-060426

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The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of the holiday. Offices will reopen Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 8 a.m.

For more information, visit oklahoma.gov/occy

Looking for a role where organization, communication, and teamwork make a real impact each day?

OCCY is hiring an Administrative Assistant to support agency operations through meeting coordination, travel planning, purchasing support, and collaboration across our team.

Learn more about this opportunity and apply today at tinyurl.com/8mz9hunj

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