Oklahoma has specific guidelines when it comes to adoption.
Oklahoma allows certain people, if they meet specific requirements, to adopt a child. If the birth parents are still alive, and their parental rights have not been terminated, they must give consent in order for the adoption to be legal. Oklahoma allows people to adopt from other states, as well as other countries, if they follow proper procedure. As of today, gay couples or gay singles are not allowed to adopt in Oklahoma.
Who Can Adopt
Anyone over the age of 21 may adopt if they meet specific requirements.
Oklahoma law states that only certain people can legally adopt a child, and only if they meet certain requirements. Married couples are legally allowed to adopt, as is any unmarried person over the age of 21. Anyone who is over the age of 21 and legally separated from their spouse may also adopt. A spouse may adopt their spouse's child, however gay couples or gay singles are not allowed to adopt in Oklahoma.
Requirements
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has specific rules and regulations for those looking to adopt. People looking to adopt must take a family medical evaluation to determine whether or not they are physically capable of raising a child. Recommendations from valid references are also required, as are background checks. Adoptive parents must provide a safe home, but they need not own a home. Those who already have children are free to adopt.
Adopting Laws
Children from around the world may be adopted in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma law allows children to be adopted within the state, from different states, and from different countries as well. A child-placing agency or attorney must assist in the adoption of a child from another country. Children adopted from another country may obtain an Oklahoma birth certificate. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children is a law that regulates the adoption of children from other states. Under the Compact, both states must agree to move the child. Failure to abide by Compact regulations when adopting a child in Oklahoma from another state is illegal.
Records
Adopting parents have the right to view the medical records of the child they adopt.
Children who are adopted in Oklahoma have a legal right to educate themselves about their past. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is required by law to share medical and social records with the adoptive parents. OKDHS will also locate relatives of the child being adopted. Under certain circumstances, people who have been adopted and are 18 years or older may file a written request for a non-certified copy of their birth certificate.
Consent
Birth parents must give consent before their child can be adopted.
In order for adoptions to be legal in Oklahoma, there must first be consent by the parties involved. Both birth parents of the child must consent to the adoption of their child. If one of the birth parents has passed away, the other must give consent. If one or both parents have had their parental rights terminated, consent from them is not necessary. Any agency that has legal custody of a child must consent to a couple adopting said child. Any child over the age of 12 must give consent before being adopted.
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