This bill establishes a new section in the Oklahoma Statutes that provides foster parents and certain children in their care access to a minimum of six hours of counseling services annually, contingent on funding availability. The counseling services, which are aimed at maintaining safe and supportive foster homes, will be offered at no cost to the foster parents or children, with reimbursement rates determined by the Department of Human Services. Importantly, the bill makes these counseling services optional and prohibits any penalties or discrimination against foster parents who choose to seek or receive these services.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all licensed mental health providers offering these counseling services must meet specific qualifications set by the Director of Human Services, which will include training in the Flash Technique. The Department is also required to provide information about these counseling services to foster parents prior to or upon the placement of a child in their home. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.