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Cherokee Nation certifies families to become foster parents to children who are in the custody of the state or tribal courts. Families can be certified for Cherokee Nation throughout the state of Oklahoma and within limited distances of Arkansas , Kansas , and Missouri . Basic foster care training is mandatory and will be provided by the Cherokee Nation foster care unit. Additional training is offered to our families, upon request, to assist families in meeting the needs of our children. Foster care is a temporary service for a child and is a valuable service for children who have been removed from the care of their parents due to child abuse or neglect. Cherokee Nation is in great need of foster parents for our children…families who can open their homes and hearts to children who have been abused or neglected. Families who want to make positive change in the life of a child.
Who can apply to be a foster parent?
Any person who is 21 years or older and who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe, or related to a child in tribal or state custody can apply to become a foster parent for Cherokee Nation. We are looking for families that can provide a loving, stable, nurturing, and safe environment for a child.
What are the qualifications?
Foster parents must be certified by Cherokee Nation through the certification process which includes a home study, background checks, and training. Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age, single or married, be in good health, have a valid driver's license and have proof of insurance, be financially stable, submit to background checks and have a heart for children. References are also interviewed to verify the parenting ability and appropriateness of the family to provide foster care.
What services are provided to foster parents?
Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement for any child placed in their home. The reimbursement rate is based on the age of the child and may be increased if the child has special needs. The reimbursement is utilized to offset the cost of room and board, clothing and other incidentals. A medical card is provided for the child to be used for medical or dental purposes. If the foster parents are employed outside the home, day care may be provided for the child. Ongoing training for foster parents is also available for foster parents.
What if I live outside the state of Oklahoma but would like to become a foster family for a member of my tribe?
There are many Cherokee children in custody throughout the United States . All states are in need of Native American foster homes. If you live in another state, please contact your local state or county department who licenses or certifies foster homes and let them know you would like to be a foster home for Cherokee children or other Native American children. If you are unable to find the correct resource in your state, you may contact us and we will refer you to the correct agency.
How to become a foster parent?
To find out more on how to become a certified foster parent for Cherokee Nation you can call us:
918-453-5300 x 7720 (Catoosa)
918-431-4115 x 238 (Tahlequah)
918-696-7603 x 31 (Stilwell)
Children are the heart of Cherokee Nation and if you want to make a difference in the life of a child, please consider being a foster parent for our children.
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