A Milestone for Oklahoma Children: Governor Proclaims 2025 the Year of the Child
April 2, 2005 - The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association is proud to share a major step forward for children in our state: this month, Governor Kevin Stitt has officially proclaimed 2025 as the Year of the Child in Oklahoma—an especially timely announcement, coming during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This proclamation affirms what prosecutors across the state have long known—that protecting children and supporting their well-being is a moral, social, and public safety imperative.
Earlier this year, the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association launched a statewide initiative declaring 2025 the “Year of the Child”—a yearlong commitment to elevating the needs, safety, and future of children in our state. Now, that effort has gained formal recognition from Governor Kevin Stitt.
The Year of the Child is not about a single policy item or budget request. It’s a lens through which Oklahoma’s leaders are being asked to view decisions that affect the lives of children—whether in the courtroom, the classroom, the foster system, or the legislature. The initiative calls on lawmakers, agency leaders, educators, nonprofits, and community advocates to bring the well-being of children to the forefront of conversations and awareness.
As prosecutors, the ODAA collectively knows that justice begins with how we treat our most vulnerable. In nearly every county, district attorneys are on the front lines of protecting children from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence. We work daily with child advocacy centers, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and social services to intervene when the worst happens. But prevention, protection, and long-term well-being require more than response. They require alignment and leadership.
The Governor’s proclamation is a meaningful milestone in what we hope will be a broader shift. By lending the weight of his office to the Year of the Child, the Governor has helped signal that the safety and future of Oklahoma’s children must be a shared priority.
As the year unfolds, ODAA will continue to spotlight efforts that reflect this commitment—from legislative proposals and county-level innovations to collaborative work with educators, first responders, and victim advocates. We’ll also track progress, identify gaps, and help build the partnerships needed to sustain real change.
To learn more about the initiative and how you can support it, visit: www.okodaa.org/newsroom-1/2025yearofthechild
