Empowering youth in and from foster care to lead safer, healthier, more independent and productive lives.
What is OKSA and Why Does it Exist?
The OKSA program is a partnership between Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) and the National Resource Center for Youth Services (NRCYS) to provide consultation and training for both adults as well as young people. We provide consultation and training on topics such as eligibility information, life skills assessments, transition planning, after care services, and local resource information. We also coordinate and host learning events for workers, foster parents, supportive adults, and teens in foster care.
OKSA used to be called Independent Living or IL Program. Independent Living refers to services and supports assisting youth to transition from youth to young adult. IL was formalized through a lawsuit that happened in the state of New York in the 1980’s when a class action lawsuit was filed related to a youth leaving foster care without being fully prepared.
The U.S. government was concerned that this was the outcome that happened nationally, and in 1999 the Chafee Independent Living Act was passed which provided a significant amount of funding to the states to offer IL funding for support and education.
Additionally, OKSA serves youth who are ages 16-23, who exited DHS or tribal custody and out-of-home placement on or after their 16th birthday. This includes young people who exited to adoption, guardianship, or reunification, as well as young people who “aged out” after turning 18.
Additional FAQs
OKSA encourages young people to connect directly with the helpline for assistance, but any supportive adult can start the process of requesting funds or scheduling a call with us. This includes workers, supervisors, school personnel, foster parents, group home staff, biological parents…any adult who is partnering with the youth to help them be successful.
OKSA can help with so many things! Generally, we can help with something if it helps meet the youth’s education, employment, transportation, or housing goals. This can range from driver’s education to assisting with a car purchase, extracurricular activities, work-related clothing, an animal for FFA … the list is endless! If there is something an eligible youth needs, do not hesitate to call and ask.
Generally, we cannot assist with food, entertainment items, and items or supplies for anyone other than the eligible youth. We may be able to assist with a referral to other community partners for some of these items.
Absolutely! If the youth is eligible based on being in OKDHS or Tribal custody, they remain eligible for services no matter where they live. Some services may not apply while out-of-state, such as Tuition Waiver. Please note, youth may only access Chafee-funded services from one state at a time, so we encourage setting up a call with the helpline to determine which state’s services are best-suited for the youth’s specific situation.
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV for short), Tuition Waiver, and Oklahoma’s Promise may be available to help with college, depending on eligibility. Youth may also qualify for other grants and scholarships. Call the OKSA Helpline and we will connect you with an Education Specialist.
Call the OKSA Helpline or send an email to oksa@ou.edu to request funds, consultation or planning. Please note: Reimbursements may be considered in the event you need to purchase something quickly but must be discussed with a Helpline team member PRIOR to the purchase.
For youth who turned 18 while in OKDHS or Tribal custody and were in an out-of-home placement, OKSA offers a housing assessment and referral process. We have several different housing pathways to assist with obtaining and/or maintaining stable housing.
If you do not find the answer to your questions here, please send us an email or call us at 800-397-2945.
