Children in Oklahoma who are not safe even in their own homes due to abuse, neglect, or other reasons must be placed in temporary or permanent placements by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Child Protective Services (CPS). One of the main options available to DHS CPS is foster care, which plays an essential role in the lives of many Oklahoman children. Oklahoma DHS Child Protective Services can be accessed from attorneys available in the city.
In this article, we will explore the role of DHS CPS in foster care, including the process of becoming a foster parent, the challenges faced by foster children and families, and the efforts being made to improve the system.
Becoming a foster parent
In Oklahoma, there is a tough application process that includes background checks, home visits, and training. This procedure aims to see if future foster parents are capable of giving the kids in their care a secure and nurturing environment. When they are accepted, foster parents can get a daily allowance to help with the cost of raising the kids, which can include food, clothing, and other expenses.
The challenges of foster care
Both children and families may find foster care to be difficult. The transition to a new home can be difficult and stressful for kids who have suffered abuse, neglect, or other trauma. They might find it difficult to get used to new routines and expectations, and they might also have trouble developing relationships with their new carers.
Foster families also experience a different set of difficulties. They might be providing care for kids with complex emotional and behavioural needs, and they might find it difficult to get the stuff and help they need to do so. When a child leaves a foster home for a permanent placement or returns to their biological family, foster families may also feel a sense of loss and grief.
Efforts to improve the system
DHS CPS has been working to improve the foster care system in Oklahoma in a number of ways after becoming aware of its difficulties. The need to find and keep more foster families has been a major area of focus. In order to help foster families meet the needs of the children in their care, this includes outreach initiatives to diverse communities as well as providing additional support and training to foster families.
Additionally, DHS CPS has been working to raise the standard of care given to kids in foster care. This entails making sure that kids have access to the educational opportunities and extracurricular activities they need, as well as making sure they get the medical and mental health care they require. When it’s practical, this also means helping kids stay connected to their biological families.
Increasing support for families facing hardship has been another crucial area of focus in the effort to decrease the number of children in foster care. To assist families in addressing the underlying issues that caused their involvement with DHS CPS, this includes providing services like counselling, drug abuse treatment, and parenting classes.
Takeaway
A majority of children in Oklahoma benefit greatly from foster care, which offers them a secure setting when they are unable to stay in their own homes. The system is not without its problems, though. DHS CPS is working with other stakeholders to address these issues and improve the standard of care given to foster children. We can make sure that all children in Oklahoma have the chance to thrive by continuing to support foster families and investing in initiatives that assist families in need.
David Radar, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
