The "Fostering the Future for Oklahoman Children and Families Act" aims to enhance the child welfare system in Oklahoma by directing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to undertake several initiatives within 180 days of the act's effective date. Key tasks include updating regulations to improve the collection and transparency of child welfare data, modernizing information systems, and utilizing technology such as predictive analytics to enhance caregiver recruitment and retention. Additionally, the DHS is required to publish an annual scorecard to evaluate progress on various child welfare metrics, including reducing unnecessary foster care entries and improving caregiver-child matching.
The act also establishes a "Fostering the Future" initiative to create partnerships with various organizations to provide educational and employment opportunities for individuals transitioning out of foster care. It mandates the development of an online platform to assist these individuals in accessing available resources and promotes the reallocation of excess funds to support their success. Furthermore, the act emphasizes the importance of partnerships with faith-based organizations and ensures that participation in federally-funded programs is not hindered by religious beliefs. The act will take effect on November 1, 2026, and includes provisions to ensure it does not impair existing authorities or create enforceable rights against the state.