Library: News Release
Phone: (405) 522-3731, Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: Mark.Beutler@OKDHS.org
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) issued its 2011 Annual Report this week, and cited a new agency pilot program designed to bring parents and their children in foster care together again.
The report, entitled “Hope for Oklahoma,” featured the “Building Bridges Visitation Center,” a small self-contained facility where parents visit with their children in a home-like setting and learn important parenting skills.
“Quite often parents would visit their children in the home of the foster parent,” said Natalie Haymaker, a child welfare specialist who supervises the center. “But that’s not always possible, and some parents may be forced to see their kids in a DHS office or in some cases at the local McDonalds.”
The center opened in early 2011, and in the few short months it’s been operating, Haymaker says parents are telling her how much they love the facility.
“We wanted to offer a home-like environment for parents to have visitation with their children,” she said. “We have a kitchen where parents can prepare meals or snacks and have some bonding time.”
Oklahoma City parent Jessica Sharp uses the center regularly and says the center is not only giving her quality time with her children, but the staff is also teaching her how to become a better parent.
“I think every county, every state, every DHS needs one of these,” Sharp said. “Because this is the most interactive thing that can help you become a better parent.”
Through the 2011 Annual Report, see how Oklahomans were served by the OKDHS. As the OKDHS enters into its 75th year, the agency’s mission has not changed: to help Oklahoma’s families lead safer, healthier and more productive lives.
A video documentary introduces a few of those Oklahomans and tells how OKDHS is serving greater numbers of families and individuals than ever before. To learn more about the Building Bridges Visitation Center, please visit OKDHS’ annual report online at http://oucpm.org/okdhsannualreport (Link opens in new window).
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