Your call can remain anonymous. (4) Age-appropriate equipment. When the denial pertains to a kinship resource home, the child in OKDHS custody is immediately moved from the applicant's home. An assessment is completed and conducted in the home regarding the parent's ability to continue providing care for a child in OKDHS custody. You must be able to adequately feed, clothe and house a child, just as you would if the child was born to you. Even if the father is already legally recognized as the father, an unwed father can use a Paternity case to establish custody. The judge, district attorney and the childs attorney must be informed of the placement before the child is moved. The range of fine is $500-$5,000. During the assessment, the applicant is advised of any condition that does not conform to resource requirements, per OAC340:75-7 Part 2. The applicant or parent obtains pre-approval for the child's participation in a weapons activity from the child's assigned CW specialist or CW supervisor. The resource specialist or RFA contractor conducts the initial consultation with the family in the family's home to answer questions, explain the mutual assessment process and training requirements, and assess the home's safety. The applicant grants OKDHS and RFA contractors permission to contact the applicant's references by signing Form 04AF001E, Resource Family Application. (iv) requests approval of the Family Assessment Line in KIDS. Being a parent means having certain rights. The total number of children in OKDHS custody placed in a resource home does not exceed five. Q: How does OKDHS determine whether or not to remove a child from a home? The resource specialist carefully reviews all applicable divorce decrees for custody arrangements and any information that indicates the applicant was not appropriate around children. What should I do? Where can I go to get information, and what do I need to do to get signed up? Our state has many children in need of caring foster parents. Code Section. Kevin Pattah, a Michigan native who came to Oklahoma to get into the cannabis business, now operates six Mango Cannabis retail locations across the state. When a reference provides information requiring further explanation from the applicant, the resource specialist or RFA contractor discusses the nature of the information without revealing the source; and. (2) OKDHS may approve or deny an applicant as a resource when the applicant or the home meets or does not meet requirements, per OAC 340:75-7. The water safety plan is: (2) documented and signed by each applicant, adult household member, and resource specialist; (4) updated when a change or an addition of a water structure or mass occurs to the resource home or property; and. (A) The resource specialist or RFA contractor reviews and discusses the assessment, except for the protected information and reference sections, with the applicant for content clarification. I know my cousins children are being neglected. A copy of the current marriage license, each divorce decree, legal separation, and annulment document, when applicable, is obtained. Q: My wife and I are interested in adopting a child. No more than two children younger than 2 years of age including the resource parent's own children may reside or be placed in the resource home. Although it is not required, it helps to have identifying information such as your neighbors name. (192KB) Title 3A. (D) The resource specialist provides the family with the Foster Parent Handbook upon placement or signing the contract and documents receipt in KIDS Resource Contacts. 3. (B) Cribs with decorative cutout areas in crib-end panels or tall decorative knobs on the corner posts that may entrap a child's head or catch the child's clothing are not allowed. Form 04AF042E is scanned into the KIDS Resource DMS. (C) The current or most recent employer of the other adult in the home is contacted by letter, phone, or in person using Form 04AF011E, Resource Family Reference Letter for an Employer. What happens now? (3) The field manager approves or denies the request and signs Form 04AF042E and a Foster Care and Adoptions deputy director is consulted when needed. When a reference provides information requiring further explanation from the other adult, the resource specialist or RFA contractor discusses the nature of the information without revealing the source; and. Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers. For Additional Assistance in locating Child Care, contact:Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral. (C) Cribs with drop-side latches must have the manufacturer-provided kits to lock the crib side in the upright position due to safety hazards. Being a parent also means having certain responsibilities to your child. Q: What does it mean when they say the child abuse was unsubstantiated? (c) Form 04AF004E, House assessment. Aircraft and Airports. If you know where the children are, you should seek the assistance of a local law enforcement agency for help enforcing your custody order. Oklahoma Child Care Services P.O. 2. "Child" means an unmarried person under the age of 18. Resource family assessment (RFA), (a) RFA. 1. (e) Authorization to check applicant's references. "Alcohol-dependent person" has the same meaning as such term is defined in Section 3-403 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma . Q: Ive noticed unusual bruises on my neighbors children, and I think domestic violence might be happening. (2) Maximum number of children younger than 2 years of age allowed in a resource home. 1-7-111 and the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, 10 O.S. Q: My wife and I are interested in adopting a child. (E) A child in OKDHS custody, with the exception of an infant who is younger than 12 months of age, does not share a bedroom with an adult in the household. (2) The home's and property's condition. (D) Mattresses are tight-fitting with no more than one inch between the mattress and crib, port-a-crib, or playpen. 200 NE 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Phone: 405-523-1570 Fax : 405-523-1586 Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday When a decision is made to deny an applicant as a resource parent, the applicant is provided an explanation regarding the reasons for the denial. The Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program provides tuition assistance for postsecondary education at any Oklahoma public career technology center, college or university. The centralized hotline worker can tell you if the referral was accepted and where it was assigned. (E) When the applicant homeschools his or her child, a person with knowledge of the applicant's homeschooling experience is contacted by letter, phone, or in person using Form 04AF025E, Resource Family Reference Letter for Homeschooling. (G) a plan of whom to contact and community resources to access when the child in OKDHS custody has behavioral problems. (D) When the other adult currently receives or received behavioral health services in the past 10 years, the behavioral health care professional is contacted using Form 04AF013E, Resource Family Assessment Reference Letter for Behavioral Health Professionals. It's illegal to willfully or maliciously engage in sexual abuse to a child under 12 years old in Oklahoma. Legal custody refers to a parents right to make decisions about the childs education, medical care, religion, etc. The applicant must have the three personal references in (1)(A) and the references (1)(B) through (H) of this Instruction to Staff (ITS), when applicable. Oklahoma City, Ok73105 Here are the recommended guidelines for parents: Infants and children under 6 years of age should never be left alone without adult supervision. Primary consideration is given to related children according to age and emotional needs. 10A O.S. Oklahoma's child labor laws, however, remain in effect. In Oklahoma, there must be a substantial change in circumstances that affect the best interests of the child before the court will change a Final Custody Order. House assessment. What happens now?A: Children are taken to a shelter just long enough for OKDHS to find a safe and appropriate place for them. When we discuss custody, there are two types of custody at issue: legal custody and physical custody. Definitions.) 9. Middle school children may care for one or two younger children if there is constant access to a responsible adult. (i) 15GR008E, Notice of Grievance Rights Foster Parents; and. Infants must sleep in cribs that meet all relevant safety standards. by Robert Griswold. 4 The water safety plan includes appropriate measures to ensure the child's safety. (11) Animal and household pet safety. A Paternity case that includes a custody order will often include a child support order too. The list includes: (vi) the name and phone numbers of the alternate caregiver; (B) access to a phone at all times when a child in OKDHS custody is present; (C) an evacuation plan in the event of a fire, tornado, earthquake, flood, ice storm, or other natural, state, or national disaster; (E) a planned source of available medical care, such as a hospital emergency room, clinic, or health care professional; (F) a plan of whom to contact when there is an accident, an incident involving the child in OKDHS custody, or he or she runs away or is abducted; and. A: OKDHS has no authority to remove children from their homes. 4. (A) Cribs, port-a-cribs, and playpens with more than two and 3/8 inches between slats or between the side and end panels are not allowed. The total number of children in the resource home does not exceed six, which includes biological, adoptive, foster, and other children not in OKDHS custody. (D) The resource specialist denying the relative placement: (i) completes Form 04MP056E, Notice to the Court of Relative Denied Placement that includes clear documentation of the safety concerns and risks to a child; (ii) provides original Form 04MP056E to the requesting CW specialist who is responsible for submitting to the court of jurisdiction the assessment of the relative placement; and. (F) When the applicant currently receives or received behavioral health services in the past 10 years, the behavioral health care professional is contacted using Form 04AF013E, Resource Family Assessment Reference Letter for Behavioral Health Professionals. (405) 522-5050, Background Investigations and Fingerprinting, Apply for Emergency Financial Assistance (TANF), Family Support Assistance for Children with Disabilities, Apply for Help with Utility Services (LIHEAP), Financial Help for Medicare and Medicines, Provide Protection for a Vulnerable Adult, Ombudsman (Advocacy for residents in Long Term Care facilities). (1) Maximum number of children allowed to reside in the resource home. The children range in age from birth to 18 years and are all races, cultures and religions. 13 The applicant or parent must notify the resource specialist or RFA contractor: (A) charges, arrests, or any alleged illegal activity committed by the applicant or any household member; and, (B) proceeding for a protective order filed by or against the applicant or any household member; and. Is there a lot of red tape? Q: What are the guidelines for adopting a child? I called the hotline and reported all the information I have. child in need of temporary out-of-home placement for protective or other social services reasons; 2. Child Care Services oversees child care licensing, residential, child placing agencies and other early learning programs in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations also known as rules. (h) RFA disposition. In addition to Form 04AF013E, the resource specialist requests behavioral records from the behavioral health professional. depicting of a child in those acts by a person responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the child. (K) 04AF043E, Resource Family Application Other Adults in the Home, when applicable. The centralized hotline worker you spoke to will document the information from your call in the child welfare computer system. This is an 85% crime. Certain crimes are referred to as 85% crimes because people convicted of these offenses are required to serve no less than 85% of any . (1) The child welfare (CW) specialist consults with the resource specialist concerning the feasibility of an exception for a traditional or kinship resource to exceed the allowed number or age limit for placements. (I) When placed for sleeping, items, such as pacifiers, teething necklaces, and bibs, are not attached to the infant or his or her clothing. If you are an Oklahoma resident and would like to learn more about becoming a Bridge Resource family through OKDHS, complete an interest form online by going to our website www.okdhs.org; click on Programs and Services at the top of the page, click Foster Care, and then click Oklahoma Foster Care Interest Form. You may also contact your local Human Services Center and someone will get in contact with you as soon as possible. While abortion laws also are included in this section, it may also be considered a matter of health care law. A parents ability to spend time with the child. Oklahoma Child Care Statutes (current through July 2016) Content Pending; Child Care Highlighting Protocol. OKLAHOMA STATUTES TITLE 43. To apply for help from Legal Aid, visit our website at www.legalaidok.org or call toll free (888) 534-5243. In Oklahoma, child custody laws are outlined in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. (F) Soft sleeping surfaces, such as soft mattresses, waterbeds, sofas, pillows, beanbag chairs, and inflatable mats are prohibited. 110.1 take effect. (K) When guarded reference information is received, the issues are fully explored with the applicant without revealing the source of the information; (2) obtains a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty, to determine the type of discharge, when the applicant was discharged from the armed forces. In this article we will take a look at both the old and new versions of the statute and try to determine what this really means for Oklahoma Fathers. It also means the CPS worker recommended prevention and intervention related services to the child and family. Some types of decisions included in the right of legal custody are: where your child goes to school, whether your child gets surgery, and (i) copies the KIDS Pre-Resource to a Resource for each approved resource home except when the child in OKDHS custody is in a kinship placement, per OAC 340:75-7-24; (ii) end dates the KIDS Pre-Resource after conversion to a KIDS Resource; (iii) scans the signed assessment and documentation into the KIDS Resource document management system (DMS); and. 7 An Indian child in OKDHS custody is placed in compliance with the placement preferences of the Indian Child Welfare Act, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:75-19. Q: How does OKDHS determine whether or not to remove a child from a home? (1) Law enforcement personnel must submit employer-provided documentation that indicates he or she is required to carry a weapon as a condition of employment. (3) The resource specialist addresses any household changes or serious illnesses with the resource parent within seven-business days of the change or illness, and documents the information. Removable ladders are removed from the water structure when not in use; (vi) safety devices, such as lifejackets or rings; (viii) training, such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid. 10. (A) Before the resource home application is denied, the resource specialist: (i) shares the information with the resource supervisor; (ii) consults with the field manager when determining whether to deny an application; (iii) staffs with Permanency Planning when denying a kinship home application; (iv) documents all information obtained in the resource file and KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource Contacts; (v) documents and summarizes the reasons for application denial including identification of supporting documentation in KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource Contacts; (vi) references the contact entry date from (v) in the Application tab of the Results screen comments box in the Pre-Resource or in the Resource closure screen; and. (1) A weapon includes, but is not limited to, a: (A) gun, such as a pistol, revolver, shotgun, or rifle from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder, gas, or other means of rocket propulsion; (D) knife, such as a dagger or knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife, with the exception of cooking or eating utensils. (A) Animals are in good health, do not show evidence of carrying disease, and do not present a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of children. (iii) A new Form 04AF010E is completed to address any change to the household's financial status. However, both parents must agree that you are the father. The wading pool is emptied at the end of each use. If you are not on the birth certificate, the easiest way to prove paternity is to sign an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity. An Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity is a notarized written statement in which you state that you are the childs father. (4) requests consultation with the resource supervisor and field manager to determine the significance of the information provided by a reference, who: (A) has a history of abuse, neglect, or both that includes victimization by the applicant; (B) disagrees with the applicant's desire to foster; or. The RFA is completed by Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) resource specialists or an RFA contractor. In either case, the court can award either sole or joint custody. Children and Juvenile Code. Oklahoma Human Services A Child's Best Interests in Oklahoma If the judge agrees with OKDHS recommendation, the child is placed in emergency custody. If you provided your name and contact information when you called the hotline, you are entitled to call back and check on the status of the referral. Generally, the woman gets the custody order, so the non-custodial father needs to put proper sleeping arrangements for the child. No More Than 2 People Per Bedroom A bedroom should generally not have more than two children in it. (C) Form 04FC020E, Notice of Denial to Resource Applicant, is sent to the applicant stating the reason for the application denial. When a court awards custody, the court will, generally, award visitation to the other parent.
