Mother Files Lawsuit Against Oklahoma DHS After She Says Daughter Was Abused In Foster Home

A Green Country mother filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma Department of Human Services after she said the agency put her daughter in the care of a foster home where the girl was abused.

The lawsuit says both of the toddler's biological parents told DHS Case workers about the abuse, but their concerns were ignored.

Lawyers representing the toddler's family say they had no choice but to file a lawsuit.

The lawsuit says DHS didn't get concerned until the toddler's mother took her daughter to the doctor.

Jim Fatigante is an attorney and says he isn't surprised because he says DHS has a history of failing children.

A lawsuit filed in June says a toddler was placed in DHS custody and then put in a foster home in September of 2022.

Within one month, a lawyer representing her mom said she was abused. 

“There were multiple instances where the biological father and the biological mother of this little child noticed that there was injury and odd action by the child,” said Fatigante. “Their complaints to DHS and its employees fell onto deaf ears.”

Fatigante says the child's parents told DHS Case workers they noticed bruises on their daughter's face, head, and arms, but he says DHS brushed off their concerns. 

“They probably didn't want to be held accountable, so what they ended up doing was telling the parents it's OK, it's OK,” said Fatigante.

The lawsuit says DHS allowed the toddler's mother to take her to the hospital, and X-rays showed she suffered a broken elbow in October of 2022. Then the lawsuit says she got a medical exam the next day where the doctor said they were concerned for the child's safety.

“What ended up happening to this child could have easily been prevented and over and over again when DHS was warned, and they failed to act. Things escalated and got worse for this child, and that's the disturbing part: this could have stopped,” said Fatigante. 

This lawsuit names DHS, two case workers, and now former DHS director Deborah Shropshire.

She left the agency exactly two months after the lawsuit was filed.

“The director of DHS is responsible for policies, the director is responsible for ultimately keeping children safe from top to bottom,” said Fatigante. 

Fatigante says the toddler has been removed from the foster home.

DHS sent us a statement that says: 

“We are unable to comment on litigation matters. Additionally, we cannot offer any additional information about Dr. Shropshire's resignation.”