Foster Parent Stipends in Oklahoma: What’s Covered and What Isn’t

Becoming a foster parent in Oklahoma is a deeply meaningful commitment, one that offers safety, healing, and stability to children who urgently need it. At Open Arms Foster Care, we’re often asked one specific question during orientation and training: “How do foster parent stipends work, and what exactly do they cover?”

It’s a fair question. Financial support doesn’t replace the emotional investment of fostering, but it does help ensure children receive consistent care, nutritious meals, clothing, and the day-to-day essentials they need to thrive.

In this guide, we’ll break down how stipends work in Oklahoma, what’s included, what’s not, and how Open Arms Foster Care supports families through every part of the placement journey.

What Foster Parent Stipends Are Designed to Cover

Foster care stipends in Oklahoma are reimbursements, not income. Their purpose is simple: to help foster parents cover the basic daily needs of the child placed in their home.

While the specific amount varies based on age and level of care, the stipend generally supports:

1. Food and Daily Nutrition

Groceries, meals, snacks, and special dietary needs typically fall under this category. Many children entering care have experienced food insecurity, so consistent nutrition is essential.

2. Clothing and Seasonal Needs

From everyday outfits to winter coats, stipends help ensure each child has appropriate, comfortable, and well-fitting clothing.

3. Hygiene and Personal Care Items

Toiletries, hair supplies, skincare products, and age-appropriate hygiene essentials are included.

4. School and Educational Supplies

Backpacks, notebooks, calculators, and extra school materials are often covered using stipend funds.

5. Transportation and Mileage

Routine transportation to school, visits, therapy sessions, or extracurricular activities can be supported through the stipend or reimbursed separately under the Oklahoma DHS guidelines.

6. Basic Household Necessities

Laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, bedding, and other items needed to maintain a clean and safe living environment.

At Open Arms Foster Care, we walk families through real-life examples and budget scenarios during our foster parenting training programs in Oklahoma, so every parent knows how to plan for these responsibilities before a child arrives.

What Stipends Do Not Cover

While stipends support daily essentials, they are not designed to cover every expense. Some costs fall outside the standard reimbursement, and foster parents should be prepared for these differences.

1. Rent, Mortgage, or Utilities

Stipends do not cover housing costs or monthly household bills.

2. Personal Expenses for Foster Parents

Groceries for the entire household, car payments, phone bills, or adult personal items are not included.

3. Non-Required Extracurriculars

Sports leagues, summer camps, or private lessons may be partially covered, but this depends on DHS approval and the child’s individualized needs.

4. Vacations Not Approved by DHS

Travel outside of routine trips often requires advance approval. Expenses for unapproved trips aren’t covered.

5. Childcare Outside DHS Programs

If foster parents choose outside childcare arrangements, stipends may not automatically cover these costs unless approved through DHS.

At Open Arms Foster Care, a trusted foster care agency in Oklahoma, we walk families through real-life examples and budget scenarios during our foster parenting training programs so every parent knows how to plan for these responsibilities before a child arrives.

Therapeutic Foster Care Stipends - Why They Are Higher

Oklahoma provides additional financial support for children who qualify for therapeutic foster care, which Open Arms Foster Care specializes in.

These stipends are higher because children in therapeutic care often require:

More supervision
Higher-level emotional and behavioral support
Regular therapy
Consistent structure
Specialized training from caregivers

Because of this, therapeutic stipends are structured to help foster parents manage the additional time, effort, and support these children need.

Open Arms offers specialized training, ongoing mentoring, crisis support, and 24/7 on-call assistance so parents never feel alone while caring for a child with higher needs.

Additional Supports Available to Foster Parents

Beyond monthly stipends, Oklahoma provides several additional forms of support:

Clothing Allowances
Childcare Support
Medical Coverage
Training & Education
Case Management and 24/7 Support

Families also benefit from foster care placement services Oklahoma offers, which help match children with homes based on age, emotional needs, background, and caregiver readiness.

Open Arms Foster Care case managers remain connected with families at every step—from placement to transition—to strengthen stability and confidence in the home.

Why Stipends Matter More Than Just Financial Support

While stipends are practical, they serve deeper purposes.

1. They Remove Financial Barriers

Many incredible families worry they “can’t afford” to foster. Stipends help ensure your finances aren’t a barrier to opening your home.

2. They Help Children Maintain Normalcy

Kids in care deserve the same stability and dignity as any other child. Stipends support activities like:

Field trips
School lunches
Birthday parties
Sports equipment
After-school clubs

3. They Enable High-Quality Care

When foster parents can focus on emotional connection rather than financial stress, the child’s experience improves dramatically.

4. They Encourage Stability

Children heal faster in stable, supportive homes. Stipends help maintain that stability throughout the placement.

At Open Arms Foster Care, we make sure families are fully informed and supported so the stipend system works smoothly never adding confusion or pressure.

Additional Supports Available to Foster Parents

Beyond monthly stipends, Oklahoma provides several additional forms of support:

Clothing Allowances

Often provided at placement or during seasonal changes.

Childcare Support

Approved childcare providers can be reimbursed through DHS.

Medical Coverage

Children in foster care automatically receive SoonerCare.

Training and Education

Open Arms offers:

Trauma-informed training
Behavior management techniques
Ongoing workshops
Peer support groups

Case Management and 24/7 Support

Open Arms case managers remain with families at every step from placement to transition.

Families often tell us that this support, more than anything, gives them the confidence to move forward.

Quick Q & A

Do foster stipends count as income?

No. They are reimbursements intended to support the child’s daily needs.

When does the first stipend arrive?

Usually within the first month, depending on DHS processing.

Are therapeutic stipends higher?

Yes, children with higher needs receive increased support.

Do stipends cover childcare?

Childcare can be covered, but only through approved DHS providers.

Can I use the stipend for extracurriculars?

Yes, if the activity supports the child’s well-being and aligns with their case plan.

Final Thoughts

Foster parent stipends aren’t meant to pay caregivers, they are meant to support children. When used as intended, these funds help ensure kids in care have everything they need to feel safe, stable, and valued.

At Open Arms Foster Care, we walk families through every financial detail from stipends to reimbursements to additional DHS supports, so they feel confident, prepared, and supported. Our mission is simple: to partner with families who can offer children the love, structure, and compassion they deserve.

If you’re considering fostering and want clear guidance, hands-on training, and a team who stands with you every step of the way, the Open Arms team is here to welcome you with open arms just like our name promises.

Foster Parent Training

Child Welfare Advocacy

Post-Placement Therapy

Support for School Staff

Foster Parent Stipends in Oklahoma: What’s Covered and What Isn’t