We understand that the decision to seek out of home placement for a child is often difficult. It is our hope that our application form will help you with the first steps of the process.
Our online application form is easy to use and is set up in a way that allows you to save and continue your form later, until you are ready to submit the form.
As you consider this process, be aware that the form will ask you for information on the child's background including medical, behavioral, substance usage, educational and psychological history. You'll need to have this information handy as you proceed to use the online form.
Willing to participate in a Southern Baptist or like-minded Bible believing church.
Applicants Must Be:
Willing to accept placement requirements.
Able to function in a multi-person home setting.
Able to positively interact with others.
Able to attend a public school.
Willing to participate in a Southern Baptist or like-minded Bible believing church.
Placement FAQ
How does the application process work?
You may start the application process online or contact a campus directly for an application for placement. Each location has resources available to guide you in properly assessing your child’s situation. Many calls and applications we receive for help are directed to other types of programs that offer a higher level of care than OBHC can provide. We want to help you find the best possible program for your child's needs.
How long does it take to get a child admitted?
The admission process typically takes at least three weeks from the time your application is received at the campus. The process may be expedited by acquiring the necessary paperwork before the interview, such as a copy of the child's birth certificate, legal and medical records, insurance information, school records, and counseling records.
How long do children usually stay in your program(s)?
The average stay for basic care residents is about 3 to 4 years. Residents may stay until they: 1. Complete their Plan of Care and can return to their home, or 2. Reach the age of 18, or 3. Graduate from high school.
In addition, our campuses offer after care and transitional living apartments for residents who: 1. Have completed the program, (see above) and 2. Choose to remain on campus, and 3. Obey the rules, and 4. Are attending college or vocational school, and/or 5. Are gainfully employed.
What happens if my child refuses to come?
A child’s own willingness to accept placement and to make an honest effort to rectify his or her problems is a great determining factor for anticipated success. All of OBHC's campuses are described as open settings, and we do not provide a 24-hour watch staff.
If a child is not appropriate for our programs, we may be able help with referral information on other agencies/facilities.
Do you provide any counseling?
We offer limited individual and family counseling for residents in our care.
Will I be able to find out how well my child is progressing?
The "PLAN OF CARE" is an important document that specifies the needs to be met and services to be provided. It describes the responsibilities of the child, family, and OBHC, who must all work together to carry out and fulfill this Plan of Care. For each child there will be an individualized Plan of Care. This plan will be drawn up at the time of admission through joint discussion between the child, family, and OBHC. This is signed by each to indicate agreement with these goals. The family receives a copy of the Plan of Care.
The Plan of Care will also include any limitations, expectations, or exceptions to visitation or other policies. The plan will also include an initial estimation of the length of placement necessary to meet the needs covered by the plan. At family conferences, the child, family, and staff will evaluate the progress towards meeting the Plan of Care and make any adjustment or additions.
What does OBHC offer that I cannot provide for my child?
Unlike most households where at least one parent works outside of the home, we offer stability through full-time, two-parent family models. Our staff are equipped through ongoing training in the most up-to-date curriculum and receive support through a network of child-care providers. The campus staff have regular meetings to discuss children’s needs, pray for any needs that may arise, and keep each other apprised of any particular situation.
What is the living environment like on your campuses?
The atmosphere is that of a caring family, with eight residents per cottage. Residents participate with the house parents in making the home a safe, comfortable place to live. Household responsibilities, life skills education and recreational activities are organized to help them learn responsibility in a structured-living situation.
How often will I get to see my children if they are accepted?
Visitation is important for maintaining the relationship between parents and children and occurs twice a month on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Exceptions or limitations are included in the Plan of Care.
Requests for other visiting times must be made in advance with the social service staff to avoid schedule conflicts. Usually the children will be allowed to leave campus for visits. However, under special circumstances, visits may be limited to on-campus.
Questions or requests about visits are made to the social service staff. Families should not make any plans or promises about visits to their child until arrangements have been made. They should not promise to visit or take the child for vacation and then fail to do so. In case of last minute changes in visitation plans, parents are to notify the campus as soon as possible.
When visiting, the parents are requested not to stay in their car but go into the cottage and see the houseparents. The child should be accompanied to the cottage when returning from visits. Parents are encouraged not to linger beyond visiting times. Parents who have been drinking or whose behavior may be upsetting to the child will be asked to leave. If parents wish to bring a guest with them on their visits, they must clear this in advance because children sometimes resent sharing their visits with others.
Do you take special needs children in your programs?
Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children are not equipped to accept children who are severely mentally or physically disabled, violent or destructive towards themselves or others, physically or sexually aggressive, or substance abusers. Other children OBHC typically does not accept are children who are emotionally or behaviorally disturbed to the point of requiring in-patient psychiatric treatment or extensive therapy, or in need of special education programs other than tutoring or LD (Learning Disabled) classes, such as ED, SED, MR or EMH.
My son has been suspended three times this year. Can he go to your school?
Because our campuses do not offer on-site education, residents must be able to function in a public school setting. Children who are unwilling to attend school or who have had a history of school suspensions, expulsions, or truancy are usually not appropriate for placement at OBHC, and are generally referred to facilities that offer on-campus education. However, tutors are provided and often this helps residents who have simply fallen behind or who are in need of a little extra ‘one-on-one.’
Do you accept children from families who aren’t Baptists?
OBHC’s Christian-based program encourages each child to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Each cottage attends a local Southern Baptist church. The children are not required to join a church, become a Baptist, or make any religious decision or commitment. Each resident is encouraged to participate in church activities and programs. Houseparents conduct daily devotions in the cottages where they teach biblical principles, character development, life and communication skills.
