DHS Asks For Help With Thousands Of Foster Children

DHS says it needs help with the thousands of foster care kids who are in state custody and need a home.

During the Christmas holiday, News 9 told you about a program which granted temporary custody so children wouldn't have to spend the holiday alone.

12/14/2011 Related Story: Oklahoma DHS Sends Kids 'Home For The Holidays'

DHS got an overwhelming response from Oklahomans who wanted to help but now shelters are full, which means more than 2,000 children need a place to stay.

Carl and Trish Johnson answered the call for help. The Johnson's have busy household with four biological children, but Trish wants to grow the family.

To convince her husband, they did a trial run over the holidays which answered some of Carl's questions.

"A lot of the kids probably in foster care didn't have great parents and have come across hard times and how is that going to affect your family? It is a really good experience for our kids as well," Johnson said.

His wife is excited.

"Everyone can do this.  It's not hard, especially if you have kids.  You're already set up for this. they are just kids," she said.

DHS needs more people like the Johnsons.

"Our shelters have wonderful staff that take great care of kids, but it's a temporary option," DHS Spokesperson Sheree Powell said.

DHS has 8,000 minors in state custody.  About 2,000 need temporary homes. To find out how you can help, visit http://www.okbridgefamilies.com or call the Resource Center and talk with someone about becoming a foster parent at 1-800-376-9729.