Oklahoma Foster Care Advocates Requested Rate Increases

Advocates highlighted stagnant reimbursement rates at a recent Capitol study session.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Child Care

Oklahoma Foster Care Advocates Requested Rate Increases

Live Poll

Should states automatically adjust foster care reimbursement rates to keep pace with inflation?

Foster care advocates have called for a rise in state reimbursement rates that have not been adjusted since 2018. They warned that low payments are hindering the ability of Oklahoma families to open their homes to the over 5,900 children in the system.

Why it matters

Rising costs of living have caused the real expense of raising a child to significantly outpace current state support. The disparity contributes to high attrition, with 40% of foster families quitting within their first year.

Oklahoma foster families currently receive between $17.71 and $22.62 in daily rates per child. This is compared to the estimated $19,500 annual cost to raise a child, while the state's highest possible annual reimbursement per child is $8,200.

The players

Oklahoma Department of Human Services

This state agency manages the child welfare system and oversees the placement of over 5,900 foster children in Oklahoma.

The details

During a September 29, 2026, interim Capitol study, advocates noted that a 2025 legislative measure to increase daily rates by $5 failed. Implementing the proposed increase would cost an estimated $48 million, with $22.5 million of that total potentially covered by federal funds.

2012 marked the beginning of major system reforms by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
2018 was the last year state foster care reimbursement rates were adjusted.
2020 saw the agency reduce the number of children in the foster system by 1,600.
2025 was the year a legislative bill to increase daily rates failed to become law.
September 29, 2026, was the date foster advocates testified at an interim Capitol study.

Roadmap

The push for higher reimbursement rates follows the failure of the 2025 legislative measure to increase daily foster care rates. This conflict highlights a broader struggle to balance state budget constraints with the rising inflation-driven costs of child-rearing.

Current families may struggle to maintain their certifications as the real costs of caring for children continue to exceed state payments. This financial gap forces many potential foster homes to reconsider their commitment to the state's foster program.

The takeaway

Reliable foster care capacity depends on aligning state reimbursement with the reality of modern household expenses. Ensuring that families are adequately supported is critical to reducing the high turnover rate among foster parents.