Oklahoma Becomes First State to Join “A Home for Every Child” Initiative
OKLAHOMA CITY (February 11, 2026) - Leaders from the U.S. Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) joined Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma Human Services today at the State Capitol to formally announce Oklahoma as the first state to participate in A Home for Every Child, a new national initiative aimed at right sizing the ratio of foster homes to the number of kids in the foster care system in addition to reducing entries into the foster care system through effective pathways when possible.
Governor Kevin Stitt welcomed the federal partnership and underscored the state’s commitment to build upon Oklahoma’s ongoing efforts to support children and family-preservation practices statewide.
“Oklahoma’s commitment to our children is unmatched. Since I took office, we have 3,500 fewer children in foster care. That success starts with a safe home. We’re honored that Oklahoma was chosen to lead this effort,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Our state has worked hard to improve outcomes for children, and this initiative gives us the tools to continue strengthening families and expanding the number of safe homes available.”
During the event, ACF Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams outlined the goals of the initiative, which seeks to help states achieve a foster home-to-child ratio greater than 1:1 by increasing the availability of licensed foster homes, strengthening kinship care, improving foster parent retention, and reducing unnecessary entries into foster care.
“ACF’s goal for A Home for Every Child is straightforward: nationwide we hope to have homes waiting on children instead of children waiting for homes,” said Assistant Secretary Adams. “Oklahoma has demonstrated how effective prevention can reduce entries into foster care, and their success should serve as a model for other states hoping to drive progress towards achieving a 1:1 ratio of foster homes to children in foster care. We are grateful for our partnership with Oklahoma to ensure we continue to center the best interests of children.”
According to ACF, for every 100 children currently entering foster care, only 57 licensed foster homes are available nationwide. This shortage creates logistical and safety challenges that work against what every child needs most: consistency, connection, and a stable path forward.
Oklahoma Human Services Child Welfare Director Michael Williams acknowledged the efforts of staff, caregivers, and community partners who have contributed to the state’s progress.
“I want to thank our frontline workers, community partners, and the foster families themselves. Their work is the reason Oklahoma is making real progress for children and families,” Child Welfare Director Williams said. “Our vision is to make Oklahoma the safest state for children, and this partnership strengthens our ability to act — keeping families safely together, supporting kin, and ensuring that any child who enters foster care has a stable home ready for them.”
Michalann Clark, a former foster youth and child welfare advocate with Oklahoma Human Services, shared the importance of ensuring children have stable, supportive homes.
“For kids in foster care, walking into a home that feels safe can change everything,” said Clark. “This initiative recognizes that every child deserves that chance. Oklahoma taking the lead on this work means more kids will have the stability they need and that can change the whole direction of a child’s life.”
This effort directly supports President Trump's Executive Order "Fostering the Future for American Children and Families " and First Lady Melania Trump's whole-of-government commitment to improving outcomes for children in foster care.
Oklahoma was selected as the inaugural partner state based on its sustained improvements in child welfare, including reductions in entries into care, a strong kinship placement culture, and the state’s 2025 exit from the Pinnacle Plan — a milestone marking significant progress in safety, stability, and permanency.
For Oklahomans who want to learn more about becoming a foster parent or supporting children and families in their communities, visit www.okfosters.org.
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