Oklahoma Justice Exchange

September is Hispanic Heritage Month and we spoke with Senator Michael Brooks-Jimenez. We had a great conversation about the civil legal challenges faced by Latinx communities, including language access, immigration-related civil issues, and cultural barriers.  

August is Child Support Awareness Month, and we spoke to Stacie Dillard-Self, who is an attorney and currently serves as the Managing Attorney of the El Reno child support office for the State of Oklahoma. We spoke about how the civil legal system impacts parents and children in matters of support, custody, and parental rights. Enjoy the episode and please rate, subscribe and share our podcast. You can find out more about The Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation at https://www.okaccesstojustice.org/ The following links are helpful resources for more information on child support in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Child Support Services website: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/child-support-services.html  Child Support Information for Parents: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/child-support-services/info-for-parents.html  Child Support Calculator: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/child-support-services/computation.html The Excel Calculator is the file they will want to download and use.  

In recognition of Pride Month, this episode we sit down with Hailey Briggs, the Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality, and Leslie Briggs, Esq, staff attorney for the Reporters' Committee for Freedom of the Press for a conversation about legal issues facing LGBTQIA+ Oklahomans. To learn more about how to support LGBTQIA+ Oklahomans, you can check out OKEQ's resources and programming at okeq.org. And you can always learn more about our work at okaccesstojustice.org. Theme Song Earning Happiness by John Bartmann.

To highlight Older Americans Month, join us as we explore elder law topics such as guardianship, consumer fraud, housing stability, and end-of-life and estate planning with experienced attorney, Cass Bobbitt, who advocates for elder Oklahomans both in and out of the courtroom. They will draw on their experience as an attorney and community educator to inform us on the nuances of aging in Oklahoma and what that means for individuals, families, and communities. Together, we will discuss hot topics such as aging autonomy; supported decision making, guardianships, and alternative options; and the toll of fraud - not just financially but also psychologically. Whether you're already older or simply actively aging, this refreshing conversation offers a look into how you can protect yourself and loved ones along the way.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this episode of the Oklahoma Justice Exchange features a powerful conversation with Terri Stone, an Oklahoma Tribal victim advocate working directly with survivors. Together, we explore how survivors navigate the civil justice system, including protective orders in both state and tribal courts, and the complex jurisdictional landscape unique to Oklahoma. This episode highlights the critical role advocates play in helping survivors understand their options, access protection, and move through systems that can often feel overwhelming.  Whether you are a professional, advocate, or community member, this conversation offers insight into how civil legal tools can support safety, autonomy, and access to justice. Formatted Guest Profile/Bio Seminole Nation Domestic Violence Program OK Sexual Violence Prevention Native Alliance Against Violence Together for Justice: A Tribal and State Legal Advocacy Tool If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, call the Oklahoma Safe Line (1-800-522-SAFE) or the Strong Hearts Native Helpline (1-844-7NATIVE) to speak to an advocate.  Our theme is Earning Happiness by John Bartmann