An interim study was asked by Reps. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, Brad Boles, R-Marlow, and Dick Lowe, R-Amber, to investigate how this can be done without compromising the well-being of the children involved.
Presently there are roughly 7,000 children in Oklahoma’s foster care system, according to the Department of Human Services.
There were 1,462 children adopted from foster care in Oklahoma in 2012 with another 2,803 children waiting to be adopted, according to the State Policy Advocacy and Reform Center.
WATCH: ASTRAZENECA SUED OVER VACCINE WOES
“The ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to return to the states the decision whether to permit abortions has already had a huge ripple effect throughout our nation, including right here in Oklahoma, where we’ve passed the most pro-life legislation in the country,” said Hill, a former foster parent. “We’ve made great strides in recent years to significantly improve our state’s foster care system, but we want to ensure the state is well-prepared to give all current and future children the care and support they deserve.”
ROSIE O'DONNELL TURNS TIKTOK THERAPIST, GIVES MICHAEL COHEN PUBLIC PEP TALK
Nevertheless, adoptions from foster care have steadily grown over the years, with a 40% growth in adoptions from foster care across the U.S. between 2000 and 2019, according to the National Council for Adoption.
"I particularly am interested in studying ways to make our current foster and adoption system more efficient, reducing burdensome regulations and costs for people who want to help raise these children," announced Lowe. "At the same time, it's incredibly important to safeguard the kids entrusted to the state's care. I'm interested to hear firsthand experiences and ideas from our study participants as we consider ways to better serve our children."
Prospective foster parents in Oklahoma have numerous requirements. They have to undergo a background check, have a working vehicle, be financially stable without relying on foster care reimbursement and meet various health and safety requirements within their home, according to DHS.
WATCH: JOHN FETTERMAN IS HILARIOUS DEALING WITH DERANGED LEFTISTS
The process of adopting a foster child includes 27 hours of pre-service training, a home study, and fingerprint background checks.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the lawmakers behind the study say they want to make sure Oklahoma is ready to give all current and future children the care and backing they need.
A LEGEND'S VIEW: DAME JUDI DENCH BLASTS OVER-CAUTIOUS CULTURE
"I've been a very vocal supporter and co-author of many pro-life bills since I was elected in March of 2018,” announced Boles. “This is a very personal issue to me since I was adopted at birth, and I thank God every day that the adoption process led me to my loving family. We must ensure that our Oklahoma adoption and foster care systems are well-funded and functioning efficiently so we can best serve this population in need."
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
