Foster Homes Needed

This article appeared in the May 2017 edition of the Chickasaw Times

The Chickasaw Nation Foster Care and Adoption Program reminds potential foster and adoptive parents there is a continuing need for homes with loving parents.

Consider opening your heart and your home by becoming a Chickasaw Nation foster care family and foster a child. Chickasaw children are waiting for families to offer them a chance for a stable home on both permanent and temporary basis.

Every year, older youth “age out” of foster care and are left to face life’s challenges. No matter their age, the program stresses that all young people in foster care need a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in their lives.

Currently there are 68 foster care or adoptive families providing out-of-home foster care needed for children in tribal custody, but more families are needed.

The foster care and adoption program seeks tribal homes to provide care when a relative or kinship placement is not available. Tribal homes are needed within the Chickasaw Nation service area as well as throughout the state, especially in Oklahoma County.

To become a tribal foster care parent the following are required:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be able to support oneself
• Be a member of a federally-recognized tribe
• Reside in Oklahoma
• Can be single or married

For more information, or to become a foster parent, contact the Chickasaw Nation Foster Care and Adoption Program at (580) 272-5550 or visit www.chickasaw.net/foster.