FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2016

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Compact with Osage Nation to Help Protect Vulnerable Adults

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed the first compact between the state and a tribal nation to help protect vulnerable adults.

The compact signed by Fallin and Osage Nation Assistant Principal Chief Raymond Red Corn is intended to improve cooperation and achieve coordinated services between the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) and the tribe’s social services department. The compact is for five years.

“The state of Oklahoma and the Osage Nation already are important partners and have compacts dealing with tobacco, cross-deputization, transportation infrastructure, gaming and motor fuel,” said Fallin. “This is just another example of an opportunity for state leaders and tribal leaders to get together to strengthen our partnerships.”

 “Both the Osage constitution and Osage culture require us to protect our Osage elders and vulnerable adults,” said Red Corn. “This compact ensures that when Osage people need these services they will be provided by our own Adult Protective Services staff. With the cooperation of the state, our staff can provide better outcomes through a unique understanding of our culture and lifestyles. Lee Collins and her team have worked hard with the state to reach this agreement. We appreciate the cooperation of the state and look forward to implementation of the compact.”

“We commend the Osage Nation for stepping up and working with us to create this unique compact for protecting vulnerable adults,” DHS Director Ed Lake said. “While we have very good working relationships with other tribes in the work of adult protective services, this compact represents a commitment by the state, the Osage Nation and DHS to work together to ensure vulnerable adults are protected to the best of our collective abilities.”

According to terms of the compact:

• DHS will notify the Osage Nation’s social services department whenever it becomes aware of an Osage citizen on state or Osage land or a citizen of another Indian tribe on Osage land in possible need of adult protective services. The nation’s police department will also be contacted whenever an investigation has been initiated.

• The Osage Nation will be primarily responsible for responding to referrals and reports of abused Native American adults within its own jurisdiction, but can request DHS help in providing adult protective services.

• The Osage Nation will notify DHS whenever it becomes aware of an Osage citizen on state land or a non-Indian adult on Osage land in possible need of adult protective services. The nation will notify local law enforcement whenever a non-Indian adult is at risk of death or immediate and serious physical harm, or financial exploitation.

• All information shared between the state and the Osage Nation shall be kept confidential.

Osage Nation Assistant Principal Chief Raymond Red Corn and Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin sign the first compact Tuesday between the state and a tribal nation to help protect vulnerable adults. The signing took place at the Oklahoma state Capitol.

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