Children, Youth and Family Services

A pro-family measure streamlining the adoption process for immediate relatives while protecting children will take effect later this year.  Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2647 , which establishes clear provisions on when a court can waive preplacement home studies. It also expands the eligibility for these waivers to include immediate relatives, including siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, of the child. The bill is named after Harris' 13-year-old constituent Shai Cooper, who is adopted.  Under the Shai Cooper Act, immediate relatives could apply for a home study waiver if they have been married for at least one year, have no felony convictions and have no protection orders against them. Single immediate relatives may apply for a waiver as well.  "The unanimous, bipartisan support behind the Shai Cooper Act shows just how committed the Legislature is to protecting children while making it easier for loving relatives to provide a safe, permanent home," Harris said. "I'm incredibly proud to see this bill, inspired by my constituent Shai Cooper, become law and make a real difference for families across Oklahoma." HB2647 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond.  "The enactment of the Shai Cooper Act marks a significant step forward in our commitment to Oklahoma's children and families," Thompson said. "By allowing courts to waive preplacement home studies for qualified relatives, we are removing unnecessary barriers that delay permanent, loving placements. This law honors the legacy of Shai Cooper and reflects our dedication to prioritizing the best interests of our most vulnerable citizens." The Shai Cooper Act passed both chambers unanimously and became law without the governor's signature. It takes effect on Nov. 1. 

Legislation updating the Successful Adulthood Act, which provides expanded support for young Oklahomans moving from foster care into adulthood, has been approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, authored House Bill 2361 to provide children who have been in foster care for at least six months and are nearing 18 with their educational transcripts, diplomas and any professional certificates earned during their time in state custody.  "The Successful Adulthood Act is about making sure young Oklahomans have the support they deserve as they navigate the tough adjustment from foster care into adulthood," Hill said. "Providing these young adults with the tools and information they need will help them build a foundation for a successful future. By expanding the services and protections in the Successful Adulthood Act, we are helping these young people move forward with confidence and the resources to obtain employment, find housing and create a better life for themselves." Additionally, the bill includes a provision modeled after the Sarah Stitt Act, which Hill passed in 2021. It requires that individuals leaving the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) after turning 18 be provided with critical documents before re-entering society. These documents include a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate, a social security card, a state-issued driver’s license or ID, educational records and information on securing health insurance and accessing personal medical records. "This provision is a vital addition to the Successful Adulthood Act, ensuring that young people leaving state custody are equipped with the necessary documentation to smoothly move into adulthood and the workforce," Hill stated. "With these resources, they will have a stronger chance of securing housing, employment, and education, ultimately becoming productive members of society and valued members of our communities." HB2361 passed the House 88-4 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, has passed an update to the Successful Adulthood Act, which assists Oklahomans aging out of the state's foster care system, through its first committee. House Bill 2361 adds several provisions to the Act to further assist those Oklahomans as they transition out of foster care into adulthood. It would add a requirement that a child who has been in foster care for at least six months and is about to age out must be provided with their educational transcripts, diplomas and professional certificates earned while under state custody, as well as information on how to obtain health insurance. Additionally, the measure would expand the ages of individuals who can access successful adulthood services after being released from custody due to the entry of an adoption decree or guardianship order. The current age range is 16 to 21, but under HB2361, that age range would be expanded from 14 to 21. "House Bill 2361 strengthens our commitment to helping young Oklahomans smoothly transition out of foster care," Hill said. "By expanding access to resources and ensuring they have the tools they need—like health insurance information, educational records and extended support services—we're empowering them to build stable futures. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive right here in Oklahoma, and House Bill 2361 means they won't have to navigate this major life change alone." Hill said the bill also includes a new provision modeled after the Sarah Stitt Act, which Hill passed in 2021, which requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide people leaving incarceration with certain documents and identification. Under HB2361, someone in custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) and has since turned 18 and will re-enter society must be provided with certain documentation before being released. Those documents would include an official or certified copy of the United States birth certificate, a social security card, a state-issued driver's license or identification card, any educational transcripts, diplomas, or professional certificates earned while in OJA custody, and information about how to obtain health insurance and personal medical records. "This new addition to the Successful Adulthood Act would ensure that young people leaving state custody have the documents they need to smoothly transition into adulthood and the workforce," Hill said. "By providing these resources, we can ensure they have a significantly stronger chance of securing housing, employment and education, which helps them become productive members of our society and valued members of our communities." HB2361 passed the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee 5-0 and now proceeds to the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee for consideration.