Number of Finalized Adoptions 

This measure reports the number of children in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) custody whose adoptions were finalized during this time period. A finalized adoption occurs when the court grants a Petition to Adopt to the adoptive parents, formally approving the child as a legal member of the family.

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In order to thrive, children need lifelong connections that come from caring and loving families. When it is determined that a child in OKDHS custody cannot safely be reunited with his or her family, every effort is taken to find a safe and loving adoptive family. OKDHS closely monitors the number of children who require out-of-home services with the need for placement in an alternative permanent home. All data is gathered through the OKDHS Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, also known as "KIDS."

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Oklahoma currently experiences a per capita adoption rate of twice the national average. Finalized adoptions have increased by 46% since 2003, which is a result of the implementation of the "Swift Adoption" program. The rise in the number of adoptions can be attributed to several reasons, one being a growing number of parents relinquishing their parental rights and/or having their parental rights terminated through the court system. Due to the undesirable causes that put a child in need of permanent placement, OKDHS does not consider changes in the number of these children in terms of progress. This data is provided as information only. At the end of 2012, OKDHS had 2,038 children with a permanency plan of adoption. Of these, 796 were legally free, with both parents' rights terminated. A significant number of these children were residing with the individuals who wished to adopt them.

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Permanency is a key element of a child's well-being. The mission of OKDHS’ Swift Adoption Services is to secure an adoptive family for every waiting child for whom adoption is the goal. Within this plan, 325 children have been identified as a baseline for children who are legally free for adoption and are in need of a permanent adoptive home. Children can be assured a permanent adoptive family through early identification, assessment and preparation, aggressive recruitment and preparation of prospective adoptive parents, elimination of legal and other barriers to adoption, and the adequate provision of supportive services.

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