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Gov. Henry Proclaims May Foster Care Month
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- A child’s teenage years are full of challenges like dating, math tests, getting a driver’s license and the all important gas money. But some teens in Oklahoma face an even bigger challenge, finding parents.
On any given month there are nearly 1,300 children between the ages of 13 and 18 in Foster Care in Oklahoma. And every year, nearly 400 are emancipated from the Foster Care system with the bang of a judge’s gavel.
“It’s not easy to bring a child into your home that you didn’t raise,” said Cathy Connelly, Oklahoma Department of Human Services State Independent Living coordinator. “Your family imprint isn’t there. Like the way you fold towels or cut a sandwich, the little things that make family patterns different.”
According to Connelly, foster children who make a successful attachment to their foster family are usually better off than others. They have someone to spend the holidays with, someone to call when they have good news and bad. But those who haven’t made that connection face many challenges. After aging out of the foster care system, many of these young people go back to the parent or family from which they were removed, only to see first hand why they were taken into custody.
“People who foster teenagers are usually surprised at how much they enjoy it,” said Connelly. “You get to have a positive impact on their character at a crucial age and get them ready to become strong, successful adults. And the teens always appreciate their foster parents more than they let on. It’s just a great age. They keep you young and you don’t have to change diapers!”
If you or someone you know would like to experience the rewards of becoming a foster parent, or if you would like to become a volunteer, please call 1-800-376-9729, or visit /content/sok-wcm/en/okdhs.html. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call 1-800-522-3511, or contact your local OKDHS Human Services Center.
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