Senate Update by Sen. Rick Brinkley
(Homeless Children Study)

If I asked you to describe a homeless person, what image would come to mind? Maybe you’d picture an older man or woman in worn out clothes, perhaps pushing an old cart with all their belongings or standing near a busy intersection asking people for change. But I’m guessing most of us wouldn’t automatically picture a young child or a teenager.

You might be surprised to learn that the National Center on Family Homelessness shows Oklahoma is in the top five states in the nation for children and teens who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

There are several circumstances that increase a child’s risk of becoming homeless. Sometimes it happens because one or both parents have lost their jobs, and subsequently lose their home or apartment. Another risk factor is a parent or parents with substance abuse or mental health problems. Children who’ve witnessed or suffered child abuse or neglect are at greater risk, as well as those who’ve been in foster care—children who’ve been in foster care are at greater risk of becoming homeless at an earlier age and tend to remain homeless for a longer period of time than other children and teens.

Sometimes they choose homelessness to escape abuse at home. Forty-six percent of homeless youth leave because they’ve been physically abused, while 17 percent were victims of sexual abuse at home. Sadly, those children face even more danger on the street. Many of them will be assaulted with a weapon while living on the streets. Children living on the streets often engage in “survival sex.” It means just what it sounds like. They trade sex for food, clothing, or even a place to sleep at night. Homeless youth are very likely to use drugs or alcohol just to cope with the trauma and abuse they’ve endured.

This session we approved Senate Bill 511, which directs a study reviewing existing data on child homelessness as well as existing state, nonprofit and private programs dealing with child homelessness. The study will include trends, including the number of children who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and looking at all public and private resources. It will also include policy recommendations for the legislature to consider. The measure has already been approved by Governor Mary Fallin.

This is a problem our state needs to address—hopefully this study will enable us to do a better job of utilizing the services and resources that are already available in both the public and private sectors to help these children and teenagers.

As always, please feel free to contact me at the state Capitol by calling (405) 521-5566 or by emailing brinkley@oksenate.gov.

-30-

Wilson students are finishing this school year up by learning to be self-reliant. The first grade classes have chosen students who represent self-reliance in their learning and maturity this year. -- Lee Ann Due 5/14/2015

Auto/Truck Wrecks
Medical Mistakes
Nursing Home Neglect
Dangerous Products
Unsafe Premises
Workplace Injuries

Law Office Of Ken Ray Underwood
918-582-7447
1408 S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74112

Each year, as part of Collinsville Downtown, Inc.’s affiliation with the Oklahoma Main Street Center, we are invited to enter our success stories for the chance to be chosen as the best of the best. Categories tie into the Main Street four point approach: Design, Promotion, Organization and Economic Restructuring. The OK Main Street Center received more than 200 nominations this year! This year our organization submitted 14 nominations and were chosen as one of the top three in three categories. The Turkey Tracker Medallion Hunt, created in conjunction with The Times Star Newspaper and JB’s Market, was a top three contender in two categories: Best Community Education/Public Awareness Activity and Creative New Event. It went on to win Best Community Education/Public Awareness Event. Local Boutique Callie’s Cache also won for Best Interior Design Project Under $5,000. Insurance agent and small business owner Christine Wilson was recognized as Collinsville’s Board Member of the Year.

On hand for the Cinco de Mayo-themed event held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City were Mayor Bud York, City Manager Pam Polk, Commissioner Brad Francis, CDI Board President Sherry Campbell, Board Members Christine Wilson, Brook Hutchins and Cyndee Green, and Program Manager Shelley Nachtigall. State Representative Earl Sears also made an appearance to tell the group congratulations.
Collinsville’s Main Street Program is a model for many newer programs across the state. We are a grassroots organization that relies on volunteers. For more information on CDI, or to become involved, call 918-371-5530 or email Program Manager Nachtigall at manager@collinsvilledowntowninc.com.

-30-