(a) Children in OKDHS custody. Adoption services are provided for the child in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) custody for whom reunification efforts with the parent(s) or legal guardian have failed or are not in the child's best interest, and permanency may be achieved through an adoptive placement. Adoption must be considered for every child who cannot return home, regardless of age or special needs, in accordance with OAC 340:75-15-8 and 340:75-6-85.4.
(b) Adoptive home development. Services are designed to recruit and develop adoptive homes for children in the custody of OKDHS who need adoptive placement. The child is the focus when finding an adoptive family for the child. Assessments of prospective adoptive families are completed according to the need for homes for children awaiting placement, in accordance with OAC 340:75-15-82 through 340:75-15-89.
(c) Post adoption services.
- (1) OKDHS provides services to the child and family after finalization of the adoption to assist in maintaining the child in the home, including adoption assistance, Medicaid, disclosure of non-identifying background information, counseling, and family preservation services.
- (2) The Mutual Consent Voluntary Registry and Confidential Intermediary Search Program provide assistance to:
- (A) adults, who, as children, were placed for adoption in Oklahoma;
- (B) members of the birth family of adoptees; and
- (C) persons who were separated from birth family members through termination of parental rights.
- (3) Counseling and assistance with reunions is provided.
(d) Additional adoption services. OKDHS administers the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Centralized Paternity Registry, Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, and Oklahoma Children's Adoption Resource Exchange.