Okla. Stat. tit. 10A, § 10A-1-9-125: Ability for children 16 years or older to enter into

housing contracts – Certification of unaccompanied status.

A. A child who is sixteen (16) years of age or older may enter

into contracts to obtain housing if the child receives a

certification of unaccompanied status from a youth services provider

that is licensed, accredited, monitored or contracted by the

Department of Human Services or the Department of Mental Health and

Substance Abuse Services to provide care for an unaccompanied child

pursuant to this section.

B. The certification provided in subsection A of this section

shall show that the provider has determined the child is homeless, a

victim of domestic violence or a victim of abuse as defined in

Section 1-1-105 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C. The provider shall issue the certification fourteen (14)

days after sending notice via certified mail, return receipt

requested, to the parent or legal guardian of the child. The notice

shall include the child's full name, date of birth and a statement

that the child is seeking to be certified by the agency as an

unaccompanied child. If, after due diligence, the provider is

unable to identify the whereabouts of the parent or legal guardian

of the child, notice to the parent or legal guardian shall not be

required.

D. In the event that the parent or legal guardian of the child

contacts the provider and the provider believes that returning home

would place the child at risk of abuse or neglect, the provider

shall make a report to the Department of Human Services.

E. A certification of unaccompanied status pursuant to this

section shall not discharge the parent or legal guardian of any

parental or legal authority or duty regarding the care and custody

of the child.

F. The Department of Human Services may promulgate rules for

the purposes of implementing and administering this section.