Jones: Task force finds three important gaps in Oklahoma's trauma-informed care offerings

The panel, established a year ago by Senate Bill 1517, published its interim report this month. Its goal is to find ways to reduce or mitigate harm inflicted by Adverse Childhood Experiences, of which Oklahoma is No. 1 in the nation for youths experiencing two or more.

The final report that will recommend a comprehensive strategy is due by Nov. 1, 2020, with the task force to disband a year later. 

“Ultimately, we believe the important coordination efforts of this task force must continue after our mandate has expired,” the report states. “Resources should be deployed to support a dedicated team of public administrators with the skills necessary to gather and share information about trauma-informed care, encourage interagency coordination, and promote greater efficiency in the establishment of trauma-informed practices.”

Science has found ACEs to be strong predictors of cognitive, behavioral and physical health, and mental wellness problems. They include household dysfunction, neglect, abuse, poverty, crime, substance abuse and mental illness.

The report states that for many residents who live outside of Cleveland, Tulsa and Oklahoma counties, access to trauma-informed resources is less reliable and limited by transportation and distance.

Compounding the issue, the report notes about 15% of the state lives in poverty, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. So, about 615,000 Oklahomans likely have resource restrictions.

“Importantly, the (National Child Traumatic Stress Network) notes that maladaptive parenting practices can be associated with the stress of urban poverty,” according to the report. “Factors such as warmth, effectiveness, and understanding of needs are diminished while factors such as use of corporal punishment, harsh discipline, neglect, and reactive parenting are increased.”

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