How to Become a Foster Parent in Oklahoma

Foster mom cooking with child

According to the Foster Care and Adoptive Association of Oklahoma, the need for foster families is greater than ever despite fewer children in care. These kids desperately need a family to open their hearts and provide a safe and loving environment.

If you're ready to step up, you're likely wondering how to become a foster parent in Oklahoma. Where do you start, and who do you contact?

We've compiled this guide for parents like you. Keep reading to learn more about contacting Oklahoma foster care agencies, the licensure process, and support options for foster families.

Quotes about foster care

How to Become a Foster Parent in Oklahoma

5 foster kids sitting on a bench in the summer

Close to 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system, and the numbers are on the rise. Yet, the path to becoming a foster parent in Oklahoma can often seem unclear. FosterUSKids.org is your source for information and guidance, connecting you with a local Oklahoma agency to simplify the process of becoming a foster parent.

HOW TO FOSTER: A SIX-STEP GLANCE

There are six steps to complete before you can bring a child into your home as a licensed foster parent in Oklahoma:

  1. Request Information About Fostering – 
    FosterUSKids puts the Oklahoma foster care and adoption agencies at your fingertips.
  2. Attend an Orientation Meeting for Foster Parenting –
    Learn more about the foster parent journey: how to become a foster parent, the characteristics of kids in foster care, and state foster care rules and regulations.
     
  3. Submit a Foster Parent Application –
    Your agency’s social workers will help you with the required documentation, background checks, personal references, and state-specific criteria.
     
  4. Attend Pre-Service Training –
    Around 30 hours of formal parent training cover essential topics from what to expect to trauma-informed foster care.
     
  5. Complete an Assessment and Home Study
    This vital process includes a home visit and interviews with social workers to ensure you are a good fit and ready to be matched with a foster child.
     
  6. Receive Your Foster License –
    The typical 3 to 6-month process results in getting your foster family license and then welcoming a foster child into your home!

Parenting is a rewarding journey marked by commitment and growth. For foster children in Oklahoma, the search is not for a perfect parent but someone they can count on for love, care, and a stable home – a foundation that will make a life-altering difference.

We at FosterUSKids are grateful you are on the path to learning more. For detailed guidance through every step, contact an Oklahoma child-placing agency now.

Requirements to Foster in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) provides foster care support, such as connecting parents to hotlines and listing information about the licensure process. Besides the State Department of Human Resources, many private agencies in Oklahoma are dedicated to helping foster children and the parents that care for them.

The Oklahoma Family Network (OFN) helps children with special healthcare needs. OFN can connect parents with appropriate resources and training. Their Resource Directory lists organizations and professionals by topics, such as food assistance or disability services, so you can easily find help in your area.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is part of the Children’s Health Act. You can learn more about child trauma and trauma-informed care. There are also informational materials and training available through the NCTSN.

Additionally, private adoption agencies offer programs and support for any parent interested in fostering to adopt.

Foster FAQs for Oklahoma

If you're like most foster parents, you have questions about what to expect. For instance, what are your responsibilities, or what if you want to adopt? Here are a few FAQs that should help.

What Is Foster Care?

A licensed foster home provides a safe and temporary place for children and teens in the Oklahoma Department of Human Services custody. Kids end up in foster care for various reasons, such as when a parent is in crisis or has a problem that needs addressing.

A foster parent's goal is to provide around-the-clock substitute care until the child can safely reunite with their parents or primary caregiver. Most foster cases end in reunification.

How Can I Be a Better Foster Parent?

Your orientation and training will teach you much of what you need to know about providing care. However, you can go the extra mile by learning more about Oklahoma foster care, like tips from advocates and other families.

Take time to learn about the child's beliefs and religion (if they have one) and support them during important times in their lives, like holidays and birthdays. Communicate with the birth parents to discover the child's hobbies and what they like eating. These steps should make foster kids feel more comfortable.

Can I Foster More Than One Child?

Absolutely! Many kids enter the child welfare system with their siblings, which is why there's a need for parents willing to accept sibling groups.

You can have a maximum of six children in your home at a time, including biological and adopted kids.

What if I Want to Adopt?

Most foster cases end in the reunification of a child and their parents. That said, sometimes this isn't possible or in the child's best interests.

A child might have parental rights terminated and become eligible for adoption. Foster families then have a chance to adopt the child in their care.

If this is an option you're interested in, let your foster agency know.

Foster a Child Today

You can make a difference in many children's lives if you choose to foster or adopt.

Are you interested in discovering more about how to become a foster parent in Oklahoma? All you have to do to get started is contact your local foster placement agency.

If you're ready to foster a child, please click the button below.

Foster agencies in Oklahoma

Select My Foster Agency in Oklahoma

General Statistics About Foster Care

  • 7,468

    Children in Oklahoma foster care in 2021

  • 3,706

    Children in Oklahoma are awaiting to be adopted

  • 9%

    Of foster kids spend 3-4 years in Oklahoma foster care

  • 15

    Is the average age for a child in Oklahoma foster care in 2021

Thankfully, we've seen a decline in the number of foster children since 2017, as illustrated in the most recent Oklahoma AFCARS report. However, the report also shows that a significant number of kids in the system need a family placement.

Here are some key statistics:

  • There were 7,468 children and teens in foster care
  • 3,461 entered care during the 2021 fiscal year
  • 3,706 were awaiting adoption on September 30th of the FY
  • 1,580 of those kids had all parental rights terminated
  • The median age of kids in Oklahoma foster care is five years old
  • 49% of children live in a non-relative foster family home
  • The case plan goal in 43% of cases is reunification
  • The plan in 49% of cases is adoption
  • The median time spent in foster care is 15.1 months
  • 17% spend 1-5 months in care
  • 9% spend 3-4 years in foster care
  • The median age of children awaiting adoption is six years old

Support Services for Foster Parents in Oklahoma

If you want to become a foster parent, you must have the time and energy to devote to a child or group of children. Foster parents should also be mature, flexible, responsible, and loving.

In addition, each state requires foster parents to meet specific qualifications. These are some of the qualifications for Oklahoma foster parents:

  • Must be 21 years old or older
  • Family members are in good health
  • If in a relationship, it must be stable
  • Financially secure without maintenance payments
  • Adults must pass all background checks
  • There are enough beds and space in the home
  • Complete the home assessment

If you have a partner or spouse, they must attend orientation and participate in the process. They must also attend all necessary training and undergo background checks, interviews, etc.

You can also be single and foster since there is no marital requirement.

The home assessment includes fingerprinting, verifying information, a house safety inspection, and more. Pets must be vaccinated, and you need sufficient insurance coverage for your vehicle.

Interested individuals can apply via the Oklahoma Department of Human Services or an approved foster care agency. After providing them with your information, you'll receive an invitation to parent orientation, where you'll learn more about the agency and the licensure process.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN Oklahoma

Every day in Oklahoma, children from all age groups enter foster care, some with no belongings of their own, all without an adult they can depend on. Every Oklahoma kid needs a soft place to land and a place to call home. Whether you can offer temporary care or become a forever family, your interest could mean a brighter, more secure future for a child in Oklahoma.

Still undecided? An Oklahoma child-placing agency is here to guide you, providing answers about stipends, coaching, therapy resources, and foster parent training.

Take the next step: Begin your parenting journey by fostering an Oklahoma child today.

Select My Foster Agency

Find a foster or adoption agency near you using our state directory for Oklahoma. If you represent an agency and would like to claim your listing, please contact us.

Agency Locality Agency Type
Moore
Adoption
Enid
Adoption, Surrogacy Services
Oklahoma City
Adoption
Chickasha
Traditional Foster Care, Specialized / Therapeutic Care, Emergency Foster Care, Respite Foster Care, Adoption
Tulsa
Adoption, Other
Oklahoma City
Adoption, Other
Yukon
Traditional Foster Care, Emergency Foster Care, Respite Foster Care, Adoption
Tulsa
Adoption, Other
Tulsa
Traditional Foster Care, Specialized / Therapeutic Care, Emergency Foster Care, Respite Foster Care, Adoption
Oklahoma City
Kinship / Relative Care, Non Related Kin (NRKIN), Traditional Foster Care, Specialized / Therapeutic Care, Emergency Foster Care, Respite Foster Care, Adoption, Other