Specialized Foster Care Parents Urgently Needed for Children with Developmental Disabilities
In response to the growing need for specialized foster care parents, the Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) division of Oklahoma Human Services has organized a webinar to provide vital information to prospective caregivers.
Specialized foster care parents support individuals ages three and older who receive DDS waiver services. They are paid to be a “professional parent” and are supported by a DDS case manager, foster care specialist, and any other professional providers working with the individual in their home. Experience with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can be helpful but is not required.
About one in ten people in need of foster care in Oklahoma require specialized care, highlighting the urgency for caring Oklahomans to step forward.
“We’re looking for compassionate individuals in Oklahoma who want to make a significant impact,” said Beth Scrutchins, DDS division director at Oklahoma Human Services. “Specialized foster care parents play a pivotal role in transforming lives and providing essential support to those with developmental disabilities.”
To become a specialized foster care parent, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be able to stay at home as a “professional parent”
- Submit information for background checks and fingerprints
- Complete training prior to approval as a specialized foster care parent and yearly training thereafter
- Participate in a home study
- Provide an individual bedroom for each person served
Specialized foster care parents are compensated with a day rate as well as monthly room and board to help more families be able to participate.
The webinar is on Sept. 12 at 12 p.m. on Microsoft Teams and will provide an overview of the role including requirements, benefits and a question-and-answer session. Registration is required, but the webinar is free.
Applicants can sign up for the free webinar at bit.ly/specializedfostercare.
Media Contacts:
Ryan Stewart, Oklahoma Human Services, DDS Communications Administrator
405-549-9188
Ryan.Stewart@okdhs.org
Natalie Wright, Candor
405-313-1153
natalie@candorpr.com
