The Chickasaw Nation Foster Care and Adoption Program, provided by the Chickasaw Nation Department of Family Advocacy, was developed to provide temporary or permanent care for Native American children placed into tribal or state custody.  Since its inception, the foster care/adoption program has aggressively worked toward a goal of providing safe and nurturing care for custody children.  According to the Child Welfare League of America, in 2004 approximately 51,993 were legally adopted through public child welfare agencies, a 4% increase from 49,919 in 2003.  Additionally, of the 509,662 children in out-of-home care in 2004, 117, 436, or 23% were waiting to be adopted.

Currently, the Chickasaw Nation has over 100 custody children in relative, foster or adoptive care within the 13.5 counties that make up our services area with 49 in tribal custody.  There are over 20 additional children placed into foster care or adoptive care outside of the service area and in states other than Oklahoma.  Nationally, Native American children make up two percent of the total of children placed into foster care. Each year more than 20,000 children reach maturity (age 18) while in foster care.

Because of these overwhelming statistics that demonstrate how great the need is for foster care and adoption homes, the Chickasaw Nation continuously seeks applicants who can meet the requirements for certification through the tribe.  Providing foster care and permanent care through adoption requires special families willing to meet the challenges that arise in providing temporary or permanent care for custody children.

You Provide

• Income verification
• Social Security cards
• CDIB
• Auto/home insurance verifications
• Physician’s health statement
• Copies of vaccination records for pets
• Five references
• Valid driver’s license
• Copy of marriage certificate

Eligibility

To become a foster care or adoptive home with the Chickasaw Nation, a prospective family must:

1. Complete the initial application forms and criminal background forms and submit to the Foster Care/Adoption Manager for processing.  The Foster Care/Adoption Manager will complete a Child Welfare Registry check on the family as well.
2. All applicants must complete PRIDE training.  The program is designed to train prospective foster care/adoptive families about the dynamics and challenges or providing care for custody children.  PRIDE also provides training for applicants as to the court process custody children undergo, the standards for foster care/adoption home policies and for disciplining custody children.  Currently PRIDE training is scheduled on a biannual basis.  Applicants must attend and complete all training days for certification.
3. All applicants must pass an intensive home study conducted by the department and provide verification of income, social security cards, valid driver's license, auto/home insurance verification, physician's health statement, copy of CDIB card, copy of marriage certificate, copy of vaccine records for pets, and contact information for five references.  The home must meet the physical standards as listed in Tribal Foster Care/Adoption Home Standards.
4. Must be at least 21 years of age
5. Must be able to support oneself

Once applicants have completed this process, their home study, background check information and application materials are reviewed by the Department of Family Advocacy staff for assessment.

Other Info
Required forms are available at the above address or can be mailed upon request. An applicant can expect a six-month wait to find out if he/she qualifies. The program is always looking for appropriate families for children.

If you are interested in becoming a foster care or adoption home with the Chickasaw Nation, please contact Jeanie Anderson, Foster Care/Adoption Manager, using the information above.