Oklahoma Seeks Specialized Foster Care Parents For Children With Developmental Disabilities

Oklahoma needs more specialized foster care parents for children with developmental disabilities. Oklahoma Human Services said that about one in 10 people in need of foster care in Oklahoma need specialized care.

Lindsey Jones oversees specialized foster care for DHS. She said that right now, there are only about 70 families involved in specialized foster care, but the state needs about 450 families.

While the need may be a little bit greater in eastern Oklahoma compared to western Oklahoma, this is a state-wide issue.

People who want to help will be paid to be a "professional parent" to better care for these people. While you don't need experience with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, DHS said you need to be compassionate.

"We are really looking for individuals that have compassion for individuals, that have patience, some empathy to work with some of our folks who may have a hard time articulating what their needs are," Jones said.

While the child does receive care from the foster parent, Jones said the foster parents also get a lot of joy out of the work as well.

While these foster parents will be caring for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, they won't be doing it alone. They will be supported by Developmental Disabilities Services case managers, foster care specialists and other professional providers.

To become a specialized foster care parent, applicants must:

1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Be able to stay at home as a “professional parent” 
3. Submit information for background checks and fingerprints.
4. Complete training before approval as a specialized foster care parent and yearly training thereafter.
5. Participate in a home study.
6. Provide an individual bedroom for each person served.

There is also a free webinar that will take place on Sept. 12 at 12 p.m. on Microsoft Teams, which 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 here.