To help address the shortage of specialized foster care parents, Oklahoma Human Services’ Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) division is hosting a webinar to educate those interested in the role.

Specialized foster care parents support individuals ages three and older who receive DDS waiver services. They are paid to be a “professional parent” and are supported by a DDS case manager, foster care specialist, and any other professional providers working with the individual in their home. Experience with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can be helpful but is not required.

To become a specialized foster care parent, applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be able to stay at home as a “professional parent”
• Submit information for background checks and fingerprints
• Complete training prior to approval as a specialized foster care parent and yearly training thereafter
• Participate in a home study
• Provide an individual bedroom for each person served

The webinar is on Sept. 12 at 12 p.m. on Microsoft Teams and will provide an overview of the role including requirements, benefits and a question-and-answer session. Registration is required, but the webinar is free.

Applicants can sign up for the free webinar at bit.ly/specializedfostercare.