1-7-111 and the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act, 10 O.S. (4) Tribal membership. In addition to Form 04AF012E, the resource specialist requests behavioral records from the behavioral health professional. OKLaw is a joint project with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc., Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, the Legal Services Corporation and Pro Bono Net. (B) The definition of a water structure or water mass includes, but is not limited to: (C) Any activity that involves a child in OKDHS custody wading or swimming is supervised at all times. mandate that a national criminal history records search based on the submission of fingerprints and a child abuse and neglect information system check be conducted for each applicant and each household member 18 years of age and older that is not a foster child. Currently in the UK there is no law in place defining the age that siblings should stop sharing a bedroom, even if they are the opposite sex. When the applicant withdraws the application, the resource specialist sends a letter of confirmation documenting the withdrawal. Infants must sleep in cribs that meet all relevant safety standards. (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. The people who provide temporary care are certified Bridge Resource Parents, or foster parents. (B) Any firearm or weapon in the home must be maintained, along with any ammunition, in a secure container, cabinet, or closet or otherwise be inaccessible at all times to children who are in the home. The applicant completes Form 04AF010E, Resource Family Financial Assessment, and provides documentation of employment, income, and expenditures as an assessment component. No Lease/ End of Lease - If a tenant stays in the rental unit longer than the rental term has allowed, a landlord may proceed with issuing a notice to quit. Checking other adult references. A copy of the current marriage license, each divorce decree, legal separation, and annulment document, when applicable, is obtained. First, it is important to know that when a court decides custody, it is deciding both physical custody and legal custody. A parents ability to spend time with the child. Q: How old does my child need to be before I can leave him home by himself?A: There is no law or policy in Oklahoma for how old a child has to be in order to be left alone. Primary consideration is given to related children according to age and emotional needs. Examples of secured weapons or firearms include, but are not limited to, storing items in a locked gun safe, biometric safe, or cabinet; using trigger locks; or removing firing pins from firearms. Your name and address The name and address of the person your complaint is against (the respondent) (iii) address where the monies are mailed. (2) Maximum number of children younger than 2 years of age allowed in a resource home. In either case, the court can award either sole or joint custody. 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. The maximum punishment in prison is life imprisonment. (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. Family accused of exceeding apartment occupancy limit. (b) Exception to the number or age limit of children placed in a resource home. Harm or threatened harm to child's health, safety, or welfare including but not limited to non-accidental physical or mental injury sexual abuse/exploitation or negligent treatment (including lack of provision of necessities such as food, shelter, medical care, etc.) 2 An in-home evaluation of the applicant's residence is conducted to assess the location, condition, and capacity to accommodate the child in OKDHS custody who requires foster care. Per Section 1-7-111 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes (10A O.S. In Oklahoma, child custody laws are outlined in the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. These rights include the right to seek custody of the child, have visitation, be informed about the childs education and health, participate in decision-making about education and medical care, and be notified and heard before a court terminates any parental right. A: A finding of unsubstantiated means an OKDHS Child Protective Services worker conducted an investigation and did not find sufficient evidence to fully determine whether child abuse or neglect had occurred. (A) To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the infant younger than 12 months of age is placed on his or her back for sleeping, unless there is a medical reason documented by a health care professional that the infant must not sleep on his or her back. Education and Training Vouchers are funds connected to the total cost of attendance at postsecondary endeavors such as college or career technology centers for eligible youth. (B) The infant who is able to turn himself or herself over is placed initially on his or her back for sleeping but is allowed to sleep in the position he or she prefers. Grade school children should never be left to care for younger children. 2400 N Lincoln Boulevard 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. (vii) When neither resource parent wants to foster, the KIDS Resource is closed. The family disaster plan includes: (A) a list of emergency phone numbers posted in an accessible and conspicuous place. View theChild Care Locator Fact Sheet. Use theChild Care Locator/Summary of Program Monitoringtoview a summary of program monitoring reports for your a child care program or to search for quality child care in Oklahoma. I called the hotline and reported all the information I have. (192KB) Title 3A. For more frequently asked questions such as these, please visit our website at www.okdhs.org, click on Programs and Services at the top of the page, click Adoption and then click Adoption frequently asked questions.. (iv) requests approval of the Family Assessment Line in KIDS. Each infant must have a safe, sturdy bassinet or crib that is both age- and size-appropriate. Marijuana is still illegal for recreational use . 2-108(B)) (1) For kinship resource homes only, OKDHS may, at its discretion, grant a waiver of specific rules or standards that do not compromise a child's safety and does not violate federal or state statutes. (11) When an exception is approved to overfill a resource home, regardless of the number of children placed, the CW specialists assigned to the children placed in the home review and document the plan to provide additional services or supports at the time of the monthly contact. (8) Infant sleeping arrangements. The Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program provides tuition assistance for postsecondary education at any Oklahoma public career technology center, college or university. When the denial pertains to a kinship resource home, the child in OKDHS custody is immediately moved from the applicant's home. Can they go to college? Children between the ages of 4 and 8 need to be secured in a car seat or, at the very least, a booster seat. (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). (C) No firearm or weapon is transported in any vehicle in which a child in OKDHS custody is riding unless the firearm or weapon is safely secured or inaccessible to the child. A Child's Best Interests in Oklahoma Amusements and Sports (277KB) Title 4. 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. While abortion laws also are included in this section, it may also be considered a matter of health care law. (E) When the required references do not total three, the resource specialist obtains additional personal references; (2) does not deny the continuation of the resource application process based solely on information a reference provides. (3) To determine the safety issues for children, the resource specialist or RFA contractor contacts the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife or the veterinarian of record when the applicant has an exotic animal and documents the information in the KIDS resource. Since this can be a difficult process, one should probably seek the help of an attorney before filing a Motion to Modify Custody. What happens now?A: Children are taken to a shelter just long enough for OKDHS to find a safe and appropriate place for them. Children who are younger than eight years of age or shorter than four feet nine inches tall must use an . An assessment is completed and conducted in the home regarding the parent's ability to continue providing care for a child in OKDHS custody. Legal and Physical Custody A parent with "physical custody" lives with the child. Among other things, youll need to attend 27 hours of pre-service training, have a home study completed, and have fingerprint background checks. 2. Adequate and safe indoor and outdoor space for play activities is available. (10) The CW and resource specialists or the OKDHS RFP liaison document the decision and plan for additional services and supports in the child's and resource case KIDS Contacts. The resource specialist or RFA contractor uses Form 04AF002E, Guidelines for Resource Family Assessment, to obtain information regarding the family. When parents are unwed, the Petition for Custody is usually included in a Paternity case. In many cases, there is a "2+1" occupancy limit that states you can have two people per bedroom, plus one person in a living space. Form 04AF042E is scanned into the KIDS Resource DMS. When the adult is self-employed, a reference is obtained from a customer. The centralized hotline worker you spoke to will document the information from your call in the child welfare computer system. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY - Washington . 8. Also, if you have any doubt that you are the father, you should not sign the affidavit. (D) The applicant's home provides separate bedrooms for children 7 years of age and older of the opposite sex. F. For purposes of this section: 1. (3) Available play space. (1) The resource parent immediately notifies the resource specialist of any: (A) charges, arrests, or any alleged illegal activity the applicant or any household member commits; and. Your call can remain anonymous. A person over 18 enjoys the elaborate privacy laws. 11. (G) The applicant may not designate a room, such as the living room, utility room, den, dining room, pantry, or unconverted garage as a bedroom for a child in OKDHS custody unless the room is specifically designed as a bedroom. Every effort is made to place the children with family members, which is called a kinship placement. References are obtained for any individual in the home, 21 years of age and older. Kinship care, in which the resource family parent is not a parent of the child in placement but is related to the child through blood, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership, or To apply for help from Legal Aid, visit our website at www.legalaidok.org or call toll free (888) 534-5243. All doors and gates leading to the water structure, are locked; (iv) pool alarms. Bring calm to coparenting. "We . (11) Animal and household pet safety. Box 25352 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 COMMENTS REGARDING LICENSING REQUIREMENTS Licensing Requirements for: Reference:(Please give the cite and topic of the specific requirement to which you are referring, such as Section 2, re. The home is accessible to school, medical, and recreational resources. There is a sturdy fence: (I) at least four feet high that cannot be easily climbed; or. A: There is no law or policy in Oklahoma for how old a child has to be in order to be left alone. Appropriate measures may include, but are not limited to: (i) fencing. Information obtained from the references is confidential and can only be released upon order of a court with competent jurisdiction. What are my rights and responsibilities as a parent? But a 60 Minutes investigation found that 15 . If the child is in danger and the safety threat cannot be controlled by the family, OKDHS may request the child be placed in emergency OKDHS custody. When there is a medical reason that an infant cannot or may not sleep on his or her back, the resource parent maintains documentation from a health care professional and a copy is filed in the resource file. It also means the CPS worker recommended prevention and intervention related services to the child and family. When evaluating placement in a resource home, consideration is given to the number of children and: (1) each resource parent's capabilities and skills; (2) the number and ages of the resource parent's own children; (3) if the home can physically accommodate the children; (4) the known behavioral patterns of the resource parent's own children, the children in foster care currently residing in the home, and the prospective child; (5) the presence of additional adult caregivers in the home beyond the approved resource parents; and. (2) within 24 hours of any change in the household including, but not limited to: (A) the address or the home's location, including emergency home displacement; (B) any significant change in the home that impacts the family's day-to-day living; (C) the death or serious illness of a resource parent; (F) individuals moving in or moving out of the home for any reason; or. 1290.2. Per OAC 340:75-7-18(c), the resource specialist and RFA contractor conduct an evaluation of the applicant's residence to assess the location, condition, and capacity to accommodate the child in OKDHS custody, on Form 04AF004E. Changes in the resource family household. Temporary custody refers to a physical and legal custody agreement made by the parents or ordered by the court that is in place until a final order from the court is entered. 10A O.S. (1) The assessment process is completed and the determination regarding approval or denial is made no later than 60-calendar days after receipt of completed Form 04AF001E. Beds can be bunk beds, day beds or cribs. 12. (A) makes phone contact with the family on a monthly basis. The resource specialist or RFA contractor explains the program's expectations and the needs of children who come into OKDHS care to each person who is contacted as a reference. 4-8 Years. What should I do? There is an 8-hour maximum on non-school days. (1) Maximum number of children allowed to reside in the resource home. Beds Each child must be provided with his or her own bed. "Abandonment" means: a.the willful intent by words, actions, or omissions not to return for a child, or. Oklahoma City, Ok73105 Appropriate supervision is required when the child in OKDHS custody is in the presence of the family's animals. Even if the father is already legally recognized as the father, an unwed father can use a Paternity case to establish custody. (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 the referral is considered a priority one referral, it must be initiated by midnight the same day. 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. 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. (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. (C) Form 04FC020E, Notice of Denial to Resource Applicant, is sent to the applicant stating the reason for the application denial. Form 04MP061E, Water Safety Agreement, is completed for all applicants. Please enter your city, county, or zip code. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma has free legal information on Oklahoma law, self-help court forms, court information and other helpful resources. In addition to Form 04AF013E, the resource specialist requests behavioral records from the behavioral health professional. A Foster Care and Adoptions deputy director consults with the regional deputy director for the child's case and notifies the field manager of the decision. (G) When the applicant's child currently receives or received behavioral health services in the past 10 years, the behavioral health care professional is contacted using Form 04AF012E, Child's Behavioral Health Reference Letter. What happens if the non-custodial parent will not return my child(ren) after visitation? The resource specialist and RFA contractor observe all water structures and masses within sight of, or accessible to, the living structure or yard. (G) After signing the RFA, the resource supervisor approves the Family Assessment Line in KIDS within two-business days for a kinship resource home and within five-business days for a traditional resource home. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about your child (under 18 years old). (B) The applicant or parent provides documentation of current rabies vaccinations for applicable animals. If you are on the childs birth certificate, chances are, you have already signed an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity.. Infants and children under 6 years of age should never be left alone without adult supervision. Someone will take your referral 24 hours a day. The RFA is approved or denied within 60-calendar days after receipt of completed Form 04AF001E, Resource Family Application. (11) one or more factors concerning any household member or conditions in the home, as described in the denial letter, renders the applicant or home environment inappropriate as a resource home. Contact OHSO. This handbook includes a summary of the duties of Guardians, legal notices, timetables, required . (2) The applicant's ability to develop and sustain stable relationships is assessed and documented in the RFA. The resource specialist or RFA contractor uses Form 13HI003E, Authorization to Disclose Medical Records, to obtain permission from the other adult to receive his or her behavioral health information. Oklahoma Child Care Statutes (current through July 2016) Content Pending; Child Care Highlighting Protocol. Oklahoma Human Services (d) Number of children in the home. (2) When in agreement with the request, the resource supervisor sends Form 04AF042E to the field manager for review. Kitchens and other non-habitable rooms cannot be used as a bedroom. (vii) scans the documentation into the KIDS Pre-Resource or Resource DMS and closes the Pre-Resource or Resource. 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. Typically, this support comes in the form of money paid by a parent who does not have physical custody of the child to the parent who does have custody. A vendor update is not sent for an address change. However, both parents must agree that you are the father. The different types of physical and legal custody are: Sole Legal Custody only one parent has the right to make legal decisions for the child about education, health care, religion, and other parenting decisions; Joint Legal Custody both parents have the right to make legal decisions for the child about education, health care, religion and other parenting decisions; Sole Physical Custody the child lives with one parent and the other has specific visitation rights; or. (G) A water safety plan is developed and each adult identified to provide supervision for the child during water activities signs the water safety plan. The children have been removed from their homes for a variety of reasons and circumstances. Our state has many children in need of caring foster parents. This is a called a Petition for Custody. But lower courts have struck down more. The amount of weight the court gives the childs preference depends on the judge and the age of the child. Under no circumstances is a child of any age authorized to sleep with an adult. (ii) provides an acceptable transportation plan for the child in OKDHS custody. Q: How does OKDHS determine whether or not to remove a child from a home? During the assessment, the applicant is advised of any condition that does not conform to resource requirements, per OAC340:75-7 Part 2. However, if you have a good relationship with the other parent and can work out a parenting plan on your own, many parents choose not to involve the courts. (v) When both resource parents want to continue to foster, the primary resource parent maintains the original KIDS resource number and another resource is opened cross-referencing the original resource number. You should keep a copy of your custody order in a safe place so that you can find it easily. They all need a safe, temporary place to live and tender loving care until they can return home or move to a permanent placement. A Paternity case that includes a custody order will often include a child support order too. Marital and significant relationship history. The CW and resource supervisors are then notified of the decision. In Oklahoma, the mother of a child born out of wedlock has custody of the child unless there is a court order that says otherwise or some other law applies to their situation. "Child" means an unmarried person under the age of 18. Just like medical patients, their parental rights are protected by SQ 788. What happens to a child who is never adopted? When the applicant and resource specialist or RFA contractor mutually decide to postpone the resource family assessment process to afford the applicant the opportunity to resolve issues of concern, the applicant withdraws from the resource program. When the resource specialist or RFA contractor is completing the RFA, the information is written on Form 04AF003E, Resource Family Assessment. Form 04AF004E includes an assessment of (1) through (13) of this subsection. The resource specialist or RFA contractor uses Form 13HI003E, Authorization to Disclose Medical Records, to obtain permission from the applicant to receive his or her behavioral health information. (a) Placement in a resource home. Children who are younger than two years of age must sit in a secure rear-facing seat. (1) Voluntary withdrawal of the application. (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. Q: I am interested in becoming a foster parent. These services may be provided by OKDHS or other community resources. . (3) Review of resource assessment forms. (C) has other concerns about his or her ability to parent. When a child abuse/neglect referral is initiated, an OKDHS Child Protective Services worker conducts a thorough safety assessment for the child. (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. : Child Abuse and Neglect What Constitutes Abuse. (D) A law enforcement official is exempt from (B) and (C) of this paragraph when conditions of employment require ready and immediate access to his or her weapon. What are the details? (H) When the required references do not total at least six, the resource specialist obtains additional personal references. 11 Upon completion of the RFA, a decision regarding approval or denial is made after assessing the information gathered. Being a parent means having certain rights. OKDHS provides many different services and support systems to help these youth obtain a college degree or certificate. The legislation is named after the child Clevenger and her husband Craig lost through miscarriage. In fact, most people who adopt waiting children work in everyday jobs. My grandchildren were removed from their home and placed in a shelter. The resource specialist or RFA contractor explains the program's expectations, and the needs of the children who come into OKDHS care, to each person contacted as a reference. (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. (1) Water supply, sewage disposal, and solid waste disposal meet local city ordinances and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality regulations. My answer to questions on Avvo are made only from the information given in the question and should not be relied upon unless you hire Plata Schott Attorneys & Counselors at Law to represent you. OKDHS is responsible for protecting waiting children from abuse, and because of this, there are many laws that require paperwork, background checks and lots of questions. Generally, a bedroom should not have more than two children in it. The Minor Guardianship laws of Oklahoma are located in Title 30 of the Oklahoma Statutes. (O) identification of, and a plan to provide possible services or supports needed by the children or family, to ensure a safe and stable placement. title. Weapons security and safety must be addressed during any subsequent home reassessment. Read More By: Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. Read this in: Spanish / Espaol Grandparent Visitation The visitation law discussed in this section only applies to grandchildren who are under 18 years of age and are not married. 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