Circle of Care Absorbed Oklahoma Foster Homes

The organization accepted dozens of families following the exit of Saint Francis Ministries from the state.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Child Care

Gouache-painted illustration of a single wooden house-shaped key on a hook, symbolizing foster care stability.
Circle of Care has integrated 27 foster families following the decision by Saint Francis Ministries to cease its foster care operations in Oklahoma. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Circle of Care has welcomed 27 foster families and 4 child welfare professionals to its program. This transition occurred after Saint Francis Ministries ended its foster care operations in Oklahoma.

Why it matters

The shift aims to provide consistent care for children and families by ensuring they retain support during a provider change. Families actively chose to continue their foster care journey under the new organization.

Circle of Care has operated its foster care program since 2014 and has served Oklahoma children and families since 1917. The organization is now managing the intake of these additional 27 foster households.

The players

Circle of Care

A long-standing Oklahoma organization that provides various support services for children and families.

Saint Francis Ministries

A charitable organization that has concluded its foster care operations within the state of Oklahoma.

The details

Saint Francis Ministries is collaborating with state officials and partners to facilitate the movement of homes to new providers. Families previously served by the departing ministry opted to move their support services to Circle of Care to avoid interruptions in service.

Timeline

  1. Circle of Care began serving Oklahoma children and families in 1917.

  2. The foster care program at Circle of Care was launched in 2014.

Culture Shift

The transition reflects a broader shift toward provider consolidation within state social services as agencies adjust to changing operational demands. This move highlights how stability for families depends on the ability of established non-profits to absorb the caseloads of departing contractors.

Families affected by this change should experience no interruption in their foster care journey as they move to the new provider. Residents can continue to rely on existing state-approved resources to manage their ongoing foster care duties.

The takeaway

Maintaining continuity in foster care is essential for the wellbeing of children during agency transitions. Families in similar situations should communicate directly with state case workers to ensure their specific files are handled correctly.

Further reading

Learn more about local support services on the Child Care page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by News 9.

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