OKLAHOMA CHILDREN’S OU HEALTH FOSTERING HOPE CLINIC NAMED FOSTER CARE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

Date: 09/23/25

Plaque presentation at Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Fostering Hope Clinic in Oklahoma City. 

Oklahoma Complete Health has designated Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Fostering Hope Clinic as the newest Foster Care Center of Excellence (FCCOE). The designation recognizes the clinic’s commitment to providing trauma-informed care to youth and their families impacted by foster care.

FCCOEs are a “one-stop shop,” working closely with caseworkers and families to quickly connect children and youth to behavioral and physical health services, along with resources addressing Social Drivers of Health.

“With the launch of a new Foster Care Center of Excellence in Oklahoma City, we’re taking another step forward in addressing health disparities and ensuring continuity of care for some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children,” said Clay Franklin, CEO and President of Oklahoma Complete Health. “We're proud to collaborate with OU Health to bring this level of care to Oklahoma City and explore even more ways to expand trauma-informed expertise."

Oklahoma Complete Health’s FCCOE program is designed to close gaps in care by ensuring that foster youth have access to providers who are clinically skilled and trained on the effects of trauma and the importance of stability in care.

“As an academic health system, we are committed to changing lives through discovery and healing,” said Stephanie DeLeon, M.D., associate chief medical officer for children’s services at OU Health.
“This designation reflects our mission to lift the health of Oklahoma’s children, families and communities through our expertise, compassion and collaboration.”

The event naming Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Fostering Hope Clinic brought together state agency partners, health care leaders, community-based organizations and foster families to highlight the importance of consistent, specialized care for foster youth who often face barriers to access to care, missed preventive services, and long-term health disparities.

In July, Oklahoma Complete Health designated Fostering Hope of Tulsa, staffed by OU School of Community Medicine providers, as the first Foster Care Center of Excellence.

Youth impacted by foster care often experience inconsistent healthcare access, resulting in missed well-child visits, delayed immunizations, and a lack of preventive care. These gaps in care can contribute to long-term health disparities. Those who have earned the FCCOE designation are addressing these gaps for better health outcomes.

For more information about Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Fostering Hope Clinic visit:
https://www.ouhealth.com/find-a-location/oklahoma-childrens-hospital-sooner-pediatrics/

more information on the Foster Care Center of Excellence visit: https://www.oklahomacompletehealth.com/members/scp/benefits-services/foster-care-center-of-excellence-.html