Seven state lawmakers send letter in support of center

Monday, April 25th 2005, 8:34 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A letter from seven state lawmakers urges the state Office of Juvenile Affairs to back off a decision to terminate its contract with an agency to provide services to troubled teenagers.

Records indicate OJA decided to end its contract with the Marie Detty Youth and Family Services Center in Lawton because of questionable claims and expenses, and concerns about its financial viability.

The recommendation to end the contract came after investigators said the agency claimed to serve 164 youths in a mentoring program for black females, but they found only eleven could be documented.

The OJA also says the center closed its Head Start Program after federal officials questioned more than 330-thousand dollars in expenses and reported ``major financial deficiencies'' and ``possible fraudulent activities.''

The lawmakers' letter urges OJA Executive Director Richard DeLaughter to rescind the decision until ``a more informed decision'' is made about the center's financial viability. The letter is signed by Senators Randy Bass and Don Barrington and Representatives Ann Coody, Jari Askins, Don Armes, Abe Deutschendorf, and Joe Dorman.