Oklahoma Leads Nation in New Foster Care Initiative

State becomes first to join 'A Home for Every Child' program aimed at finding stable homes for all foster children

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Oklahoma has become the first state to join a new national initiative called 'A Home for Every Child' that is focused on increasing the number of foster homes and helping more families stay together before children enter the foster care system. The program, led by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, aims to ensure every child in foster care has a safe and stable home.

Why it matters

Oklahoma has made significant progress in recent years in reducing the number of children in foster care, and this new initiative is expected to build on that momentum by providing more resources and support to find permanent homes for children in the system. The shortage of available foster homes nationwide is a major challenge, so Oklahoma's leadership in this area could serve as a model for other states.

The details

Under the 'A Home for Every Child' initiative, the goals are to increase the availability of licensed foster homes, strengthen kinship care, improve foster parent retention, and reduce unnecessary entries into the foster care system. Federal officials state that currently there are only 57 licensed foster homes available for every 100 children who enter the system across the country, creating logistical and safety issues. Oklahoma was selected as the first state to join the program due to its recent progress in child welfare, including reducing entries into foster care and a strong kinship placement culture.

  • On February 11, 2026, Oklahoma became the first state to join the 'A Home for Every Child' initiative.
  • Since taking office, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has overseen a reduction of 3,500 children in the state's foster care system.

The players

Kevin Stitt

The Governor of Oklahoma who has overseen significant progress in reducing the number of children in the state's foster care system.

Alex J. Adams

The Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, which is leading the 'A Home for Every Child' initiative.

Michalann Clark

A former foster youth and child welfare advocate with Oklahoma Human Services who emphasizes the importance of providing stable homes for children in foster care.

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What they’re saying

“Oklahoma's commitment to our children is unmatched. Since I took office, we have 3,500 fewer children in foster care. That success starts with a safe home. We're honored that Oklahoma was chosen to lead this effort.”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma (KFOR)

“ACF's goal for A Home for Every Child is straightforward: nationwide we hope to have homes waiting on children instead of children waiting for homes. Oklahoma has demonstrated how effective prevention can reduce entries into foster care, and their success should serve as a model for other states hoping to drive progress towards achieving a 1:1 ratio of foster homes to children in foster care.”

— Alex J. Adams, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Administration for Children and Families (KFOR)

“For kids in foster care, walking into a home that feels safe can change everything. This initiative recognizes that every child deserves that chance. Oklahoma taking the lead on this work means more kids will have the stability they need and that can change the whole direction of a child's life.”

— Michalann Clark, Former foster youth and child welfare advocate, Oklahoma Human Services (KFOR)

What’s next

The 'A Home for Every Child' initiative will provide additional resources and support to Oklahoma to help the state continue expanding its network of licensed foster homes and strengthening its kinship care program.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's leadership in the 'A Home for Every Child' initiative demonstrates the state's ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children in the foster care system. By serving as a model for other states, Oklahoma's success in reducing foster care entries and increasing the availability of stable homes could have a positive impact nationwide.