OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City; Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh; and Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, released the following joint statement after the resignation of Office of Juvenile Affairs Director Tim Tardibono amid recent concerns at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center:

“We acknowledge Tim Tardibono’s decision to step down as director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. This change gives the agency a chance to restore stability and refocus on its core mission of helping Oklahoma’s youth succeed.

“New leadership is a positive step but we know that leadership changes alone don’t fix long-term problems. The challenges at COJC, including staff injuries, low morale and daily operational strain, need real, lasting attention.

“We’re calling on the interim director and the OJA Board to move quickly and transparently to strengthen the agency. That means ensuring safe staffing levels, rebuilding morale, supporting trauma-informed care and keeping the focus on rehabilitation and youth development.

“We welcome Sharon ‘Shel’ Millington as interim director and look forward to working with OJA leadership, state officials and community partners to bring forward meaningful reforms next session.

“The work ahead is significant but we share the same goal: to protect staff, support youth and restore public confidence in Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system.”