Oklahoma Human Services

The opening of McAlester's first sibling foster home marks an important step for children and families in southeast Oklahoma.

Created through the partnership of Community Of Hope and Circle of Care, Inc., it's a purpose-built space that lets brothers and sisters entering foster care remain together. Sibling separation is a quiet but real challenge in child welfare, often driven by nothing more than a shortage of homes large enough to keep siblings under one roof. Homes like this one address that gap directly.

We're grateful for partners who show up with practical solutions, and for the foster families who make them work. However, the need extends far beyond McAlester. Circle of Care also has sibling homes ready and waiting in Alva, Enid, Gore, and Shawnee—each one hoping to welcome a family willing to open their hearts to a larger sibling group of three or more.

Applications are open now, and families ready to take the first step can begin at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vrFRB5R8xk.

Strong families start with strong support systems.

Beginning July 1, 2026, families participating in OKDHS Child Welfare Services prevention programs or parents with children in custody may be eligible for the SoonerSelect Children's Specialty Program.

CSP benefits may include:
• Transportation assistance
• K-12 and GED tutoring
• Work certification training
• YMCA memberships and more

These resources help connect families with additional support before challenges become crises.

Ready to learn more? Check our pinned comment for resources.

*Eligibility requirements and limitations apply.

Looking for a career with purpose?

Oklahoma Human Services is hosting a hiring event for Child Welfare Specialist I, II, and III positions in Stillwater, Ponca City, and Chandler and surrounding areas. If you have a background in social services, education, or community support and you've been looking for work with more direct impact, we'd like to meet you.

Come to our upcoming hiring event and talk to us in person. Walk in, ask real questions, and learn more about joining a team dedicated to serving Oklahoma's children and families.

📅 June 18
⏰ 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 Oklahoma Human Services
711 E Krayler, Stillwater, OK 74075
📋 Bring resume, transcript, and photo ID
👇 Check the pinned comment for more details on open Child Welfare Specialist positions.

Federal work requirements for SNAP are now in effect 📋

Adults ages 18–64 must complete 80 hours per month of work, training, or approved activities to continue receiving benefits. This includes parents and caregivers whose youngest child is 14 or older.

Need help meeting requirements? OK SNAP Works offers free job training, education, and job search support to get you there — check the pinned comment to get connected.

Has your job, income, housing, or household changed recently? Keeping your info up to date is the easiest way to make sure your benefits keep coming without interruption — links to report your changes are in the pinned comment too. 📌

This morning, Jennifer Boyer and Carlie Van Woerkom from Oklahoma Human Services joined KOCO to discuss a meaningful shift in how Oklahoma supports young adults in foster care.

With the passage of Senate Bill 1806, eligible young adults can now voluntarily continue receiving services after age 18 while working toward educational, employment, or independent living goals. Services may include Medicaid coverage, monthly stipend payments, and caseworker support through age 21.

OKDHS is continuing to develop the implementation plan to make services available after July 1, 2026.

Read the full press release to learn more: https://www.oklahoma.gov/okdhs/newsroom/2026/june/comm06012026.html

Meaningful work starts with the right opportunity

Oklahoma Human Services is hiring Case Managers (Levels I and II) to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Tulsa County.

This role is more than a job—it's a career built around helping people access the services and support they need to live their best lives. If you have a background in human services, social work, psychology, nursing, or a related field, we'd love to connect with you in person.

📅 June 8
⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 Oklahoma Human Services 4848 S. 129th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134
📋 Bring resume, transcript, and photo ID

👇 Check the pinned comment for full position details.

✨ Only 10 days away! ✨

📅 June 13–14 | Oklahoma City

Wellspring Weekend is a FREE retreat designed for grandparents, relative caregivers, stepparents, and caregivers supporting a child with an incarcerated parent. Open to individuals and couples caring for children 18 and under across Oklahoma.

You'll spend the weekend building family-strengthening skills, connecting with others who truly understand your experience, and learning about resources available to support your family.

Space is limited and open to first-time attendees only. A stipend is available to help cover child care.

🔗 Spots are going fast — find the registration link in the comments below!

Oklahoma just made history for foster youth — and we couldn't be more proud to share this news.

Governor Stitt has signed Senate Bill 1806 into law, and Oklahoma Human Services is gearing up to launch a new Extended Foster Care program starting July 1, 2026.

So what does this actually mean?

Starting this summer, eligible young adults in Oklahoma's foster care system will have the option to continue receiving support past their 18th birthday and through age 21. That support can include Medicaid coverage, a monthly stipend, and continued access to a caseworker while they work toward their goals.

Research backs this up – studies show that extending these services reduces the likelihood of homelessness, exposure to illegal substances, and domestic violence for young people transitioning out of care.

This program is also available to young adults who found permanency through guardianship or adoption at age 16 or older — not just those who were in OKDHS custody at 18.

The focus now is where it belongs — on the young people this program was built for. Enrollment details are coming soon, and we'll continue sharing updates as July 1 approaches.

In the meantime, anyone with questions can reach out to [email protected] or call 1-800-397-2945.

📄 Read the full press release in the pinned comment below.

May is Older Americans Month, and what better way to close it out than with a reminder that your health is worth championing every single day.

Whether it's a morning walk, a swim with a friend, a phone call with family, or simply keeping that doctor's appointment. Small, consistent choices add up to a longer, fuller life.

Here are a few tips to carry with you into June and beyond:
🏃 Keep moving — in whatever way feels good for your body
🤝 Stay connected — community is medicine
🩺 Stay ahead — preventive care is self-care

Here's to your health! 🌿