National Resource Center for Youth Services: Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program

Spring 2024 Legislative Session

Once again, the Oklahoma House of Representatives has extended an invitation to 24 youth in OKDHS or Tribal custody to serve as Pages in the upcoming Spring 2024 Session. This unique opportunity allows for the selected youth to observe the legislative process in Oklahoma and participate in a mock legislative session. Duties as pages vary from courier and telephone services, research for members, preparing the chamber floors for sessions, distributing legislation and papers, as well as activities provided by the legislative staff.

REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUTH

• be in 11th or 12th grade and be in OKDHS or Tribal custody or receive voluntary extended services, or have achieved permanency in a guardianship or adoption after age 16;
• be placed in a kinship or traditional foster home or level B group home;
• be receiving Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program services;
• have demonstrated positive leadership ability;
• have signed Guardian/OKDHS representative permission, when younger than age 18.

Also,

• be a non-smoker;
• not have pending charges, misdemeanor or felony convictions, or previous arrests; and
• be available to attend the Page Orientation Day. Orientation will be in-person on January 12^th.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application packets must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, November 15, 2023.

Mail originals to:

PO Box 25352
Attn: Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program, Jeffrey Walls
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0352

Please include:

• Completed Page Week 2024 Application (right-click and select Save As in your browser, then open in Adobe Acrobat Reader)
• Recent photo of youth
• Completed Form 16AD013E, News Media and Media Production Release of Information (for photo release)
• Copy of signed Guardian/DHS Representative Permission Form

Applications will be accepted via email, but only if a paper application is also submitted to the above address. Email to jeffrey.walls@okdhs.org.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. A screening committee consisting of the State OKSA Coordinators and a representative from the National Resource Center for Youth Services (NRCYS), and an OKDHS legislative liaison will review the applications and select the participants.
2. The youth’s worker will be notified of the selections by December 6, 2023.
3. The youth's worker must notify the youth of his or her selection. Ensure the youth is able to attend the orientation with an adult sponsor. Then arrange pick up and drop off transportation for the assigned Page Week. The youth is not allowed to drive his or her own vehicle.

OKSA will assist CWS workers to ensure that each Page has proper attire for this event. The dress code for gentlemen is dress shirt, tie, slacks, and a suit or sport coat. Ladies should wear slacks as the chamber is kept very cool. Sheer, backless, low-cut garments, shorts, and midriff exposing garments are not appropriate either during work hours or after. Do not bring this type of clothing to Page Week.

Tattoos must be covered during working hours. Single, modest earrings may be worn in the ear lobe. No other type of body piercing jewelry will be permitted. Hats or caps are not appropriate. Comfortable shoes are required. High heels are discouraged. Athletic shoes are acceptable.

Opportunities to participate in the 2024 Page Week program will be limited to a maximum of 24 youth. Each week, one youth will serve as a page in the Oklahoma Senate and one youth will serve as a page in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

For additional information contact Jennifer Boyer at jennifer.boyer@okdhs.org or (405) 522-4052, or Jeffrey Walls at jeffrey.walls@okdhs.org or (405) 551-0431.