Promise Kept
New Center a Reality
For years, one of Tulsa County’s most pressing needs has been to better serve youth that find themselves in challenging situations.
The old juvenile bureau was outdated and not configured to provide a comprehensive approach to helping youth and their families with needed services.
Karen began working to pull together a plan. First, by listening to those on the front lines in youth services, family courts and law enforcement. She visited centers around the nation to learn about the most effective practices and programs exist to help turn youth on to a better and more successful path.
She led the initiative for a public vote to build the new Tulsa County Family Center for Juvenile Justice which opened in 2019.
Today, the center serves about 4,000 youth a year with prevention, justice and treatment programs. Their mission is “improving our community through prevention, diversion, intervention and empowerment with the youth and families we serve.”
Center Opens to Youth and Families
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a special day because everyone involved knew the turnaround for youth and families had finally arrived.
Judge Doris Fransein’s portrait hangs proudly in the center to honor her relentless dedication to children and youth in Tulsa County.
"The majority of children are here by no fault of their own, and they deserve an atmosphere that ensures they are safe and their privacy is protected."
Karen Keith
