Responding to an unprecedented federal shutdown. When federal funding disruptions threatened essential assistance, Oklahoma Human Services worked with state leaders, community organizations, and food banks to support affected families. A state-supported emergency food assistance effort made resources available to eligible SNAP households across all 77 counties, backed by an approved $1 million per week for regional food banks. Our teams also prepared benefit systems to respond to changing federal guidance, issuing partial November SNAP benefits and moving quickly to restore full benefits following the federal government's reopening.

Strengthening child safety and family stability. In February 2026, Oklahoma became the first state in the nation selected to participate in A Home for Every Child, a national initiative led by the federal Administration for Children and Families. This partnership builds on Oklahoma's child welfare improvements and focuses on safely preventing unnecessary foster care entries, expanding foster home availability, strengthening kinship care, and improving permanency for children.

Giving foster youth a stronger voice. In March 2026, Child Welfare Services launched its first Youth Advisory Board, creating a formal opportunity for young people with lived experience in foster care to help shape agency decisions and improve outcomes for children and families.

Extending foster care through age 21. In FY26, Oklahoma enacted Senate Bill 1806, establishing Extended Foster Care for eligible young adults through age 21 and securing $5 million for implementation in SFY27. Beginning July 1, 2026, the program provides eligible young adults additional time and support to pursue education, employment, and independent living goals. The legislation represents a significant step toward helping young people transition from foster care into stable, successful adulthood.

Protecting the dignity of children in foster care. Oklahoma also approved $250,000 in SFY27 funding to provide duffel bags for children in foster care who lack adequate luggage. Supported by Senate Bill 1377, this initiative addresses a simple but important concern: children should never have to carry their belongings from one home to another in a trash bag. The investment reflects our commitment to ensuring children experience dignity, care, and respect during some of the most difficult transitions of their lives.

Securing critical investments in child care. Following an agency budget request to address a significant funding shortfall, Oklahoma Human Services worked with legislative leaders to secure $7.59 million for child care subsidies and $4.56 million for child care teacher recruitment and retention in the SFY27 budget. These investments, totaling more than $12.1 million, represent important progress toward stabilizing Oklahoma's child care system and supporting working families. During FY26, the agency also restored subsidy access for children ages 6–8, expanding assistance while continuing to manage limited resources responsibly.

Strengthening independence for vulnerable adults. The Legislature approved a $38.99 million investment in ADvantage waiver services for SFY27, along with $2.5 million for additional meal support and funding for eligibility expansion. These investments strengthen Oklahoma's commitment to helping older adults and individuals with physical disabilities receive the care and support they need to remain safely in their homes and communities, preserving independence and dignity while reducing reliance on institutional care.

Delivering financial support for Oklahoma children. Child Support Services collected $294 million in child support payments during FY26, serving 138,700 families. The division also established paternity for thousands of children and helped families access medical support, strengthening the financial stability and long-term well-being of Oklahoma households.

Transforming access to developmental disability services. Oklahoma continued making significant progress in reducing the wait for developmental disability waiver services. By January 2026, the average wait had fallen from approximately 13 years in 2022 to roughly one year, representing a substantial transformation in access to services that help individuals and families plan for greater independence and stability.

Expanding independence through technology. In February 2026, Developmental Disabilities Services opened Oklahoma's fourth Smart Home Demonstration Site in partnership with Soaring on Hope in Tulsa. The site showcases technologies that support independent living, including remote monitoring, medication management, accessible home features, and tools that help people with disabilities navigate daily life more safely and confidently.

Creating new pathways to employment and wellness. Developmental Disabilities Services launched Future Ready, helping transition-age youth with disabilities develop vocational skills through individualized assessments and enabling technologies. The division also completed its Wearables for Wellness study, exploring how wearable technology can help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities pursue personal health goals.

Modernizing access to essential assistance. Adult and Family Services introduced online household change-reporting tools in 2025, implemented electronic employment verification in November, and launched a statewide case-quality dashboard in December. These improvements support more accurate eligibility decisions, reduce unnecessary administrative barriers, and help families keep their information current.

Investing in a stronger workforce. Adult and Family Services launched its 12-week jumpSTART! training program in August 2025, followed by a modernized Developmental Disabilities Services Case Management Academy in November. Both initiatives strengthened employee preparation through structured instruction, coaching, and practical experience. The agency also certified 65 new Hope Navigators during FY26, expanding hope-centered practices throughout our workforce.

The challenges of FY26 reinforced an important truth: government cannot meet the needs of Oklahoma families alone.

During the federal shutdown, collaboration among state leaders, food banks, nonprofit organizations, and community partners helped connect families with emergency resources at a moment of significant uncertainty. That spirit of cooperation extends well beyond a single crisis.

Through initiatives such as Be a Neighbor and Aging Our Way Oklahoma, we continue strengthening local networks, connecting organizations with shared goals, and creating more coordinated systems of support for families, older adults, and vulnerable Oklahomans.

Our accomplishments represent more than programs launched, partnerships established, or services delivered. They reflect progress toward a state where children are safer, families are more stable, vulnerable adults can live with dignity, and more people have the opportunity to build independent, prosperous futures.

FY26 tested our systems, our people, and our resolve. It also demonstrated what is possible when dedicated employees, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to service come together.

At Oklahoma Human Services, we are strengthening Oklahoma by strengthening Oklahomans.