OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma's new Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake says the department has an opportunity to remake itself after years of controversy and lawsuits.

Lake laid out his plans for the department's future in a talk Monday at the Oklahoma History Center. Dozens of social workers, DHS partners and other Oklahomans attended.

Lake says the department is undergoing a massive self examination and reorganization in the aftermath of a lawsuit over several high-profile deaths of children in state custody during the past several years.

Lake accepted the director post in November as part of the department leadership's restructuring approved by Oklahoma voters.

Lake says reorganizing efforts will focus on increasing the number of social workers and improving communication within the department and between other state agencies and private partners.