OKDHS Foster Care

What is Foster Care?

Child abuse and neglect happen when children are mistreated or not properly cared for by a parent or other person responsible for them. Some examples might be:

• Causing an injury through excessive physical discipline (abuse)
• Sexual acts with a child (abuse)
• Exposure to domestic violence (abuse)
• Parent abusing substances and not caring for children (neglect)

When children are found to be in these situations law enforcement and the judicial system may step in to protect the children. The court will then decide whether the children should be taken from the parents temporarily or permanently. If the decision is to permanently remove the children, a permanent alternative living arrangement such as an adoptive home or guardianship will be needed for the children. But in other cases, the court may decide not to remove the children temporarily to keep them safe and give their parents a chance to correct the problems that led to the children being removed. In these cases the children are placed in foster care. Foster parents are everyday people who have decided to help children in need.

What will happen in Oklahoma or

Canadian Counties

when you apply

to provide foster care?

Click here for a quick look at what happens when you apply:

What Happens When I Apply?

Ready to apply?

Want to learn more?

In Oklahoma/Canadian Counties call:

(405) 255-1791

or contact by e-mail at

LarryD.Brown@OKDHS.ORG

In other counties call toll free:

1-866-612-2565

or visit www.okdhs.org/fostercare

OkCountyKids Task Force

Information to Aid Families in Oklahoma County