Full question:
What are the laws in Oklahoma on placement of children with my relatives?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Placement with Relatives
- Date:
- State: Oklahoma
Answer:
In Oklahoma, a child can be placed with a relative if there is a written agreement from the child's parent(s) or if the child has been abandoned, in which case a home study is not required. If a relative wants to adopt, a home study is necessary. When placing children in foster care, the state considers grandparents or other relatives before looking for non-relative foster homes. Relatives do not need to be certified as foster parents unless it's not in the child's best interest.
According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 10, Chapter 75, Section 7505-5.1:
- A preplacement home study is required for adoption unless a parent places a child directly with a relative.
- Individuals with certain felony convictions cannot be approved for placement.
- No child can be placed with someone registered under the Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act.
Oklahoma Statutes Title 10, Chapter 1, Section 22.1 emphasizes the importance of placing children with relatives, like grandparents, to avoid foster care. The Department of Human Services has a relative support program to assist relatives caring for children, which includes financial assistance and services without needing foster care certification.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.