State Foster Youths Serve as Legislative Pages

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --This week, 24 foster youths from across the state were given the opportunity to witness the legislative process up-close when they were chosen to serve as pages for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Rep. Jari Askins, Duncan, who helped start the foster youth page program three years ago, said, "The foster child’s view of the state is typically that of court proceedings, but serving as a page will give them a new vision of the state of Oklahoma." Rep. Askins added, "This program gives foster children confidence in their abilities, and we hope that it will continue in the future."

In addition to their duties as pages, the foster youth participated in a mock legislative session, toured the Governor’s mansion and met with Governor Frank Keating and Oklahoma House Speaker Loyd Benson.

"We have received letters from judges and foster parents saying that after a foster youth goes through the page program their grades, attitude and confidence improve," said Claudia Hunter, Independent Living Coordinator. "Some who have served as pages have suggested that it be mandatory for all foster youth."

Oklahoma is the only state to have a program of this kind. Currently there are nearly 5,000 foster children in Oklahoma. If you would like to know more about becoming a foster parent, call 1-800-376-9729, or click on /content/sok-wcm/en/okdhs.html.

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