Oklahoma Human Services continues to face a foster home shortage and is currently in need of more than 400 homes across the state

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2025) – Foster care is a planned, goal-directed service that provides 24-hour-a-day substitute, temporary care and supportive services in a home environment for children from birth to 18 years of age in the custody of Oklahoma Human Services. On any given day there are approximately 6,000 children in Oklahoma’s foster care system and while the goal of our agency’s Child Welfare Services division is to reunify families when it is safe to do so, foster parents serve as an invaluable resource for children and their families until that time comes.

Here are five ways you can support Oklahoma’s foster care community:

Become a foster parent

Oklahoma Human Services continues to face a foster home shortage and is currently in need of more than 400 homes across the state. All ages of children are represented in the foster care system but there is a heightened need for families who can foster teens, children with special needs, and sibling groups as these children need special families willing to meet them where they are. Learn more about the requirements that must be met in order to become a foster parent and how you can apply at Oklahoma Fosters.

Become a respite care provider

Respite care providers offer temporary, short-term relief to foster parents by providing planned or emergency care to children in the child welfare system. Being a foster parent is a full-time commitment, and respite allows these individuals to take the time they need to recharge and practice self-care. To learn more about respite care or to apply to become a respite care provider call 1-800-376-9729, visit okfosters.org | Apply Now, or find an agency near you.

Help meet the needs of children and families

Oklahoma Human Services’ Be A Neighbor platform and its national sister platform, Care Portal, allow anyone in need of additional assistance, including foster families, to access direct support from caring individuals, local nonprofits, faith-based groups, tribes, and community organizations. Community members can use these platforms to donate goods like bunk beds, diapers, car seats, and gently used clothing to foster families.

Get involved

Whether you are a business owner, childcare provider, or community member, there are ways for you and every Oklahoman to support the foster care community. If you own a business or run an organization, consider joining the Foster Parent Exclusive Benefit Program that allows foster parents to receive benefits and discounts while shopping for your business’ goods or services. Likewise, if you own or run a childcare program, consider extending your services to foster families in your community by becoming a licensed childcare provider. Those interested in volunteering for organizations that support children in foster care can begin their search by filling out our inquiry form online. Individuals can also apply to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. CASA volunteers are trained citizens appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect. Learn more at oklahomacasa.org.

Spread the word

Help us spread the word about how Oklahomans can support children in the foster care system by sharing information on your personal or organizational website or social media pages. Re-share from our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or use our sample posts to help spread awareness. Print out our posters and brochures and post them to bulletin boards in your faith organization, school, place of work, or other places you visit like salons, doctor’s offices, and gyms.