OK HB1315

Establishes a Kinship Foster Care Program in the Department of Human Services requiring placement attempts with kinship-related individuals when a child is removed from home and custody is transferred to the Department, if such placement is in the child's best interests.

Prioritizes placement with noncustodial parents over other kinship placements unless such placement is determined not to be in the child's best interests, with reasons for denial documented in agency records and communicated to the court.

Requires the Department to complete records searches within seven (7) days to verify criminal history for prospective kinship foster parents and adults in their homes before placement approval.

Authorizes kinship foster parents to receive full foster care rate payments and benefits upon final Department approval, with temporary assistance through TANF if a child is placed before final home approval.

Directs kinship foster parents to cooperate with care plans for children and requires periodic review and updates of placement arrangements; effective November 1, 2009.