Okla. Stat. tit. 10A, § 10A-2-1-102: Legislative intent - Construction of chapter -

Purpose.

It is the intent of the Legislature that Article 2 of this title

shall be liberally construed, to the end that its purpose may be

carried out.

The purpose of the laws relating to juveniles alleged or

adjudicated to be delinquent is to promote the public safety and

reduce juvenile delinquency. This purpose should be pursued through

means that are fair and just, that:

1. Recognize the unique characteristics and needs of juveniles;

2. Give juveniles access to opportunities for personal and

social growth;

3. Maintain the integrity of substantive law prohibiting

certain behavior and developing individual responsibility for lawful

behavior;

4. Provide a system relying upon individualized treatment and

best practice for the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile

delinquents into society;

5. Preserve and strengthen family ties whenever possible,

including improvement of home environment;

6. Remove a juvenile from the custody of parents if the welfare

and safety of the juvenile or the protection of the public would

otherwise be endangered;

7. Secure for any juvenile removed from the custody of parents

the necessary treatment, care, guidance and discipline to assist the

juvenile in becoming a responsible and productive member of society;

and

8. Provide procedures through which the provisions of the law

are executed and enforced and which will assure the parties fair

hearings at which their rights as citizens are recognized and

protected.