Someone to Lean On

For more than 30 years, children across the United States in need of a family have benefited from the recognition and observance of National Adoption Awareness Month. As a celebration of the annual event in Oklahoma, DHS has been working with Urban Tulsa Weekly to increase the support for our children in need through our "Christmas for Kids" campaign and by providing additional information regarding adoption. Our appreciation goes out to all those who have made charitable donations and, of course, to those who have brightened children's futures by adopting.

For parents and families who either are considering adopting or have already adopted, DHS works hard to educate families on the number of services they provide for making all steps of the adoption process run swiftly and efficiently.

DHS offers a variety of support groups specifically geared toward the post-adoption phase. The following programs give more information and guidance to those looking for specific help. Often times, the children being placed for adoption have special needs and therefore adoptive parents have needs as well. Adoptive families can rely on these services that will tailor to their specific issues.

The Post-Legal Adoption Services Help Line is for families who are experiencing challenges after the finalization process. DHS is committed to providing a helpful information line for those who have gone through the process of receiving a child and are now in need of further advice and guidance. The Help Line will also provide further support service and group information suited for more specific issues. Please call 1-877-657-9438.

The Oklahoma Respite Resource Network is a unique program for adoptive parents who have adopted a child through DHS and are now eligible to receive respite care vouchers, which are used for short-term assistance in paying for child care. The program aims to provide child care for adopted children with special needs. The dollar amount in vouchers is determined based on household income. Applications can be filled out at oasis.ouhsc.edu.

The Adoption Resource Library lends books, pamphlets and videos to pertinent adoption issues. For information regarding these resources or to make a suggestion for a particular book to be included in the library, contact Karen Poteet at DHS.

For more information about post-adoption or for general information regarding DHS adoption services, please call Programs Director Deborah Goodman at 794-7544 or visit okdhs.org.