Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resource family?

This is our name for individuals who are willing to care for children through foster care, legal guardianship or adoption.

What is foster care?

Foster care is a temporary home for children needing out of home care due to abuse or neglect. Foster families provide a safe and nurturing home and are committed to working with birth families to reunite children with parents.

What is adoption?

Adoption is the permanent placement option for children who have been in foster care. Children are legally free for adoption only after the court has terminated the parental rights of the birth parents.

Who are the children in State care, in foster care or awaiting adoption?

Children in State care range in age from 0 to 21 and frequently are part of a sibling group that must remain together. More than half of the children in care are children of color. Some of these children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities ranging from mild to severe.

Do I have to be married?

You do not have to be married. Applicants may be married, single, legally separated, or divorced. If married, resource parents have to be married one year or more.

Do I have to own my own home?

Resource parents do not have to own a home. In fact, many foster or adoptive parents rent their place of residence. Foster and adoptive families must have a stable income.

What are the costs of becoming a foster care or adoptive parent?

The home assessment and training is provided at no charge. The majority of adoption expenses are covered by the State. There are costs incurred in obtaining a physical. There may be upfront costs in ensuring that your home is ready to care for a child.

Do I have a choice in which children are placed into my home?

Families have the opportunity to determine their preference when making a decision regarding placement. Our agency is child focused and our goal is to find families who will meet the needs of the children we have in custody.

What type of support services are provided after a child is placed in my home?

It is our intent to support you in being as successful as possible. Some of the ways that we may support you include regular contact with agency staff, respite (as appropriate), ongoing training, support groups, child care for foster children, home visits, team meetings, phone consultation, and a formal process for sharing your concerns.

What are the age requirements to become a Resource Family?

The minimum age is 21 and preferably no more than 55 years older than the child considered for placement.

What are the training requirements for becoming a resource parent?

We have the following training requirements:

Must complete Bridge Orientation
Applicants must complete OKPRIDE – (Oklahoma Parent Resources for Information Development and Education), a 27 hr. pre-service training
All foster parents must complete 12 hours of continuing in-service training per calendar year on subjects that promote their skills and interests as providers.