Gov. Henry Proclaims May Foster Care Month

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- On any given day there are more than 5,900 children in foster care in Oklahoma. That’s a decline of nearly five percent from just a year ago.
“It’s too early to tell why we’re seeing a decline in the number of foster children,” said Margaret Linnemann, Oklahoma Department of Human Services Foster Care program manager. “We’re optimistic that this is the beginning of a trend and that we will see the numbers of children in foster care continue to decline in Oklahoma. But it’s hard to stay optimistic when you realize that there are still thousands of children who have been placed in state custody because of abuse and neglect.”

Even with signs of hope that the foster care population may be decreasing, there is still a great need for quality foster parents in Oklahoma. To help raise awareness, Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed May 2004 as Foster Care Month. OKDHS asks all Oklahomans to not just consider fostering a child, but to get involved in breaking the cycle of abuse that leads to foster care by volunteering as a child advocate, a mentor or a counselor.

To become a foster parent you must be 21 years old and financially stable. You do not have to own your own home and you can be married or single. There can be a maximum of five foster children in the home and six children total. Liability insurance, medical, dental and mental health benefits will also be provided to the foster child. Childcare assistance is available for foster parents who work 20 hours or more a week.

“We need people who are willing to open their homes to these children and give them the love and stability they need,” said Linnemann. “These children have parents that we hope to reunite them with, so their placement in foster care is fully intended to be temporary. We need people who will be part of the team that helps us work to put families back together. We need people who are ready to make a positive difference in the lives of children and in the stability of families.”

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 go to www.OKDHS.org. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call 1-800-522-3511, or contact your local OKDHS Human Services Center.

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