OKDHS Adoption Program

The OKDHS Adoption Program works to find permanent families for waiting children in all 77 Oklahoma counties. It also provides free legal services through state adoption attorneys, easing one of the more daunting parts of the journey.

What it offers

• Statewide efforts to place waiting children with permanent families
• Free legal services provided by OKDHS adoption attorneys
• A preparation and assessment process that readies families to adopt
• Support for those adopting children currently in state care
• Guidance from staff who understand the needs of waiting children

Who it is for

The program is for prospective adoptive parents who are ready to complete an assessment and preparation process. It is especially meaningful for families open to adopting older children, sibling groups, or others who have waited longer for a permanent home. Adults from many walks of life may be considered, since the focus is on providing stability and belonging. Because legal services are handled by state attorneys at no cost, families are spared one of the larger expenses that adoption can involve. Current requirements are outlined on the official site.

Getting started

Interested families begin by submitting the Foster Care and Adoption Interest Form online or calling the support center. Staff explain the assessment and preparation steps, answer early questions, and describe what to expect along the way. Reaching out is a no-pressure first move that simply opens the conversation about adopting through the state, with no commitment required to learn more.

What families can expect

Families can expect a preparation and assessment process designed to ready them to adopt, with staff explaining each step and answering early questions. Reaching out is a no-pressure first move that simply opens the conversation, and no commitment is required to learn more about adopting through the state.

Families can also expect meaningful support along the way, including free legal services provided by OKDHS adoption attorneys, which spares one of the larger expenses adoption can involve. The program works to place waiting children across all 77 counties, so families open to older children or sibling groups are especially valued.

Because the assessment and preparation take time, families do well to start the conversation early and move at a pace that suits them. Those who are also considering fostering can ask how the two paths connect, since the same interest form and support center serve both, and staff can describe what documents the process will eventually require of a family. Because every family’s path is different, staff aim to explain the steps clearly and let interested parents ask as many questions as they need before deciding whether to move ahead with the process.

In short, the program is for prospective adoptive parents ready to complete an assessment and preparation process, with families open to older children and sibling groups especially valued. Getting started is straightforward: a family submits the Foster Care and Adoption Interest Form online or calls the support center at 1-800-376-9729, where staff explain the assessment and preparation steps and answer early questions. Current requirements are outlined on the official site, so families can read what qualifying involves before deciding. The support center is the place to reach staff during regular business hours listed on the site, and those weighing both fostering and adoption can use the same form and number to ask how the two paths connect.

Frequently asked questions

How do I express interest?

Submit the Foster Care and Adoption Interest Form online or call the support center to begin the conversation. There is no commitment in simply learning more.

Are legal services included?

Yes. Free legal services are provided through OKDHS adoption attorneys, easing one of the larger costs adoption can involve. That spares families a significant expense.

Which children are waiting?

Waiting children include older children and sibling groups across all 77 Oklahoma counties. Families open to them are especially valued.

What does the process involve?

An assessment and preparation process readies families to adopt, with staff explaining each step. Current requirements are outlined on the official site.