Foster Care in Cherokee County OK: Urgent Need for Foster Homes | Interview with Rick Hensley

In this episode of Living in Tahlequah, Edna sits down with Rick Hensley, Foster Home Recruiter for Cherokee County, to talk about the real need for foster homes right here in our community. Right now, there are 39 children in foster care in Cherokee County—and 13 of them are being placed outside the county due to a lack of available foster families. This conversation breaks down what foster care actually looks like, how the process works to become a foster parent, and ways you can help even if opening your home isn’t an option. Rick also shares insight into the differences between state foster care and Cherokee Nation Child Welfare, and why both systems are critical to supporting local children and families. If you’ve ever thought about fostering—or just want to understand how you can make a difference locally—this is an episode you need to hear. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify: Living in Tahlequah #TahlequahOK #CherokeeCountyOK #FosterCare #OklahomaFosterCare #LivingInTahlequah #AdoptionAndFosterCare #CommunityMatters #CherokeeNation #FamilySupport