Oklahoma becomes first state to join national foster care initiative
OKLAHOMA CITY — On Wednesday, Oklahoma became the first state in the nation to join “A Home for Every Child,” a federal initiative aimed at increasing the number of foster homes and reducing the number of children entering state care.
Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the partnership alongside federal and state officials at the State Capitol, calling it a step toward strengthening families and improving child welfare outcomes.
“In Oklahoma, we now have 3,500 fewer kids in foster care than just a few years ago,” Stitt said. “That’s demonstrating Oklahoma’s unmatched commitment to our children.”
The initiative is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Children and Families. It focuses on recruiting and retaining foster families while expanding prevention programs to help families remain together when possible.
According to state data, Oklahoma had about 4,281 licensed foster homes in 2023, down from nearly 5,000 in 2021. At the same time, about 6,000 children remain in state care, creating a shortage that officials say has sometimes forced children into temporary placements.
Alex J. Adams, assistant secretary for family support at ACF, said the shortage is a nationwide issue.
“If we have 100 kids going into foster care, we only have 57 homes to care for them,” Adams said. “We can do better, and we must do better.”
Adams said the initiative aims to increase the ratio of foster homes to children in care, while reducing federal red tape and allowing states to tailor solutions to their communities.
“We want to have homes waiting on kids, not kids waiting on homes,” Adams said.
Oklahoma Human Services officials said the state has focused in recent years on prevention and family preservation, which they credit for reducing the number of children entering foster care.
Michael Williams, director of child welfare services for OHS said community partnerships will be central to the program’s success.
“It’s going to require very authentic and strong community partnerships,” Williams said. “We have to change the image of who we are in the communities that we serve so people feel comfortable coming forward.”
Williams said the agency is also working to improve support systems for foster families, including better access to information and services.
