TULSA, Okla — “It’s really efforts of the community and the outcry of the community for children," said Rosario Chico.
She's been pushing for an investigation into the Department of Human Services ever since her children were taken away three years ago.
She said it wasn't easy.
WATCH: 2 News covered previous attempts to get the petition approved: PETITION FILED: Advocates ask for grand jury to investigate DHS
“I haven't had my children for three years. I haven't been found unfit by DHS," said Chico. "My children are in a guardianship. That's a default guardianship, and it's been very difficult to undo."
An Oklahoma judge approved the petition for five thousand signatures to get an investigation into the Department of Human Services.
Rosario said she wanted to make a change, so she decided to work for the department and see what was happening for herself.
“I just didn't want to be a mom who would say my children were failed by DHS," said Chico. "I wanted to know, by experience, by training, by policy, that yes, in fact, my children were failed.”
She said the community has been upset by how the department handled certain issues.
"What's happening a lot is reports of child sexual abuse, physical abuse," she said. "Those may be reported to DHS, but they're not being reported to law enforcement."
2 News reached out to DHS and got this statement:
This is an unprecedented attack on public safety and human services officials across the state who work tirelessly to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children and vulnerable individuals.
Oklahoma Human Services has always been and will remain an advocate for transparency and will fully cooperate with any investigation initiated with the agency.
Many individuals supported the petition on social media, with Page Six Oklahoma helping round up volunteers to collect signatures.
Chico said people interested in joining the cause can also contact her at (316) 300-3172 for more information.
"Families without a voice are the ones having the most difficult time with these systems," she said. “I'm hopeful for an Oklahoma Human Services that is truly Oklahoma Human Services.”
The deadline to get all 5,000 signatures is December 23.
Below are some dates and times for petition signing and volunteering opportunities at the Tulsa Central Library for those interested:
- Thursday, November 14, 2024: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, November 15, 2024: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, November 16, 2024: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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