Program Administrator
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Davis, Oklahoma
Lauren Tatum is the programs administrator for enhanced foster care at Oklahoma Human Services. She graduated from East Central University in Ada, Okla., with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and began graduate classes to become a mental health clinician. However, her plans were paused in 2009 when she began working for OKDHS as a child protective services caseworker. She learned life-changing lessons about child safety, generational trauma and advocacy for those without a voice. Tatum eventually transitioned to a new position as a foster care caseworker and began providing support, guidance and encouragement to many foster parents on their foster and/or adoption journey. Foster care became her passion and fell in love with foster families because of their huge hearts and willingness to be vulnerable. After working on the frontlines with children and families for seven years, she desired to make a bigger impact statewide and joined Oklahoma's Foster Care and Adoptions program team. She began training foster care staff and foster parents, overseeing the state's home study program and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Tatum is most excited about Oklahoma's new, revolutionary program, Enhanced Foster Care, and all of the joys and challenges it brings. Enhanced Foster Care combines two of her greatest loves, child welfare and mental health, to increase positive outcomes for Oklahoma's most at-risk population.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Monday, April 11, 2022
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
