Legislative Study Looks to Reform System

Legislative study to
monitor parents who are ex-offenders.
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Contact: Dave Bond, Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962-7671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Kris Steele
Capitol: (405) 557-7345
Shawnee: (405) 878-0514

Legislative Study Looks to Reform System
After 'Precious Doe' Tragedy

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 18, 2005) - A new legislative study will look at
ways to prevent child abuse tragedies like that of the young girl known
as Precious Doe, who was killed four years ago by her stepfather. Today,
in a ceremony in Kansas City, authorities laid her laid to rest for the
second time.

"The story of Precious Doe is one of the most tragic stories I have ever
heard, but maybe we can learn from her story and prevent similar
tragedies in the future," said state Rep. Kris Steele, who is leading
the study. "What would make this story even worse is if we were not able
to improve the system so that tragedies like this are prevented."

The girl, identified only a few months ago as Erica Michelle Green, was
killed in 2001 by her stepfather, who was under the influence of alcohol
and hallucinogens. Both the stepfather and the girl's mother, who gave
birth to the child while in prison and who had been released not long
before the killing, have been charged in the case.

Steele, R-Shawnee, said the study will look at what can be done to
prepare incarcerated parents for parenting once they are released. The
study will also explore ways to improve communication between state
agencies, and also between Oklahoma and other states, in order to keep
tabs on formerly incarcerated parents who might be abusing their
children.

During the time period that Erica Green's mother, Michelle Johnson, was
incarcerated, the little girl lived with a family friend in Muskogee.
Even after the mother was released, the girl lived primarily with the
friend, who was a licensed foster parent.

Occasionally, the birth mother would take the child, and in 1999, the
state Department of Human Services responded to a report that the child
was being neglected during the times she was with her mother. But when
DHS officials learned that the child spent most of her time living with
the foster parent in a good environment, they dropped the case.

Not long after, Michelle Johnson took the child with her to Kansas City,
where they lived with Michelle's new husband, Erica's stepfather, until
Erica's murder.

"Obviously, the members of this task force will search for solutions to
protect innocent children like Erica," Steele said.

First, he said panelists will consider requiring the state Department of
Corrections to notify DHS when incarcerated parents are released.
Representatives from the two agencies could then work together to make
sure that those parents can properly care for their children.

He also said the panel will review what other states are doing in
similar situations.

"Child neglect and abuse are not problems that plague our state alone,
and I would imagine that other states have some good ideas on these
issues," Steele said. "And in the end, communication between states
could be utilized when formerly incarcerated parents cross state lines
with their children in tow."

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