12 children remain at soon-to-close Laura Dester Children's Center

TULSA, Okla (KTUL) - The staff at Laura Dester Children's Center hopes to close that institution in October.

The State of Oklahoma is closing its children's centers under the theory that the kids will be better off in a family environment.

The Dester Center has a beautiful north Tulsa campus that has gotten a lot quieter since last year when they had more than 100 residents.

They now have a total of 17 young people, with 12 who currently have nowhere to go.

When all the remaining children have adoptive, foster or group homes the center will shut down.

Director Andrew Robertson says research indicates that a family setting can provide a better lifestyle for abused kids.

While many of the children have special needs, such as behavioral issues or physical limitations, he said parenting can be very rewarding.

The key is providing them with a stable relationship with an adult.

Robertson said they often respond by changing and growing.

The Department of Human Services hopes prospective parents will call them for more information at 405-521-3646.