Library: Policy
340:75-13-82. Funeral expenses for children
Revised 9-15-20
(a) The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS)is responsible for funeral and burial expenses and related costs for a child in permanent DHScustody.
(b) When the child is in emergency or temporary DHScustody and in out-of-home placement, DHS determines the parent(s)' or next of kin's ability to assume the cost.When the parent(s) or next-of-kin is unable or unwilling, DHS assumes the responsibility.A maximum reimbursement limit of $4,500 is allowed for the funeral and burial.The parent(s) is responsible for all funeral and burial expenses when the child resides with the parent(s). • 1
(c) When a child in permanent DHS custody has a documented terminal medical diagnosis at the time of adoption finalization, a maximum reimbursement limit of $4,500 is allowed for the funeral and burial.
INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-13-82
Revised 9-15-20
1.Funeral and burial arrangements for children.Following the death of a child in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) custody and in out-of-home placement, or an eligible adopted child, DHS assumes the funeral and burial expenses.The child welfare (CW) specialist:
(1) negotiates funeral and burial costs with a local funeral vendor.This does not preclude the CW specialist from negotiating the donation of items.There are no restrictions on what items are paid for in the reimbursement limit;
(2) coordinates with the local funeral vendor to select what is included in the arrangements, keeping expenses from exceeding the $4,500 maximum;
(3) upon determination of the total reimbursement request, notifies Child Welfare Services (CWS) Finance and Business Operations (FBO) by phone or email of the:
(A) child's name and date of death;
(B) vendor's mailing address and federal employment identification (FEI) number; and
(C) total cost of the funeral and burial; and
(4) after ensuring the reimbursement request does not exceed $4,500, submits the invoice with the vendor's original signature and FEI number to CWS FBO.
