Governor Proclaims May Foster Care Month in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- On any given day there are more than 1,200 children between the ages of 13 and 18 living in foster care in Oklahoma. Each child has a different story, different challenges, fears, hopes and dreams. But they all have one thing in common, the need for a quality foster home.

“Teens in foster care share similar outlooks on their situation,” said Joani Webster, programs administrator. “The real difference can be seen in those who have great foster parents. A quality foster home can not only make the experience easier, but it can show our foster children that their lives can be better and that their future is full of potential.”

Every year nearly 300 teens are emancipated from the Foster Care system with the bang of a judge’s gavel. Without parental support, these children will be forced to make the difficult transition into adulthood alone and without guidance.

“We not only need good foster homes for these children while they’re in care, we need foster parents that will continue to be part of their lives after they leave the system,” said Webster. “Someplace to go for the holidays, someone to rely on for advice, someplace they can always call home.”

According to Webster, foster children with a strong foster family connection are more likely to succeed when they leave care. Foster families who accept a foster child’s siblings also make time in care easier.

“Many foster youth have said that the most important trait in a foster family is having one that will keep their brothers and sisters together,” said Webster.

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 click on http://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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