03/24/2026
JUDGE ORDERS DHS TO PAY ATTORNEY FEES TO REINSTATED WHISTLEBLOWER
TULSA, OK — March 2026
A judge has ordered the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) to pay attorney fees to Rosario Chico, a terminated whistleblower who was later reinstated following court proceedings.
In an order issued March 9, 2026, the Court found that Chico is the prevailing party and entitled to recover attorney fees under Oklahoma administrative law.
The Court rejected DHS’s objections, finding they were not supported by the evidence or applicable law, and reaffirmed its prior finding that DHS did not have a reasonable basis to terminate Chico.
DHS has been ordered to pay the attorney fees within 45 days.
BACKGROUND
For the second time, a judge has ruled in favor of Tulsa whistleblower Rosario Chico.
A second judge denied Oklahoma Human Services’ Motion to Reconsider, affirming the prior order that Chico be reinstated to her position with DHS.
Chico has officially returned to work.
This ruling upheld the original November 24, 2025 Final Order, which overturned her termination, required reinstatement with full back pay and benefits.
Chico, a DHS Child Welfare Specialist in Tulsa County, was terminated on September 23, 2025, less than 24 hours after helping lead a protest calling for transparency and accountability in the child welfare and court systems.
For years, Chico had publicly advocated for child protection reforms, independent audits of DHS, investigations into agency leadership, and systemic accountability in abuse cases.
DHS maintained it was within its authority to fire her over the use of sick leave. After a formal contested hearing, the court rejected that position, finding termination was not justified and unsupported by the record.
Supporters have long viewed the termination as retaliatory.
Chico, a major network television producer turned child advocate, has been outspoken about what she describes as dangerous systemic failures within DHS, including the mishandling of child abuse cases. Her advocacy has included organizing rallies, filing petitions, speaking at the Capitol, and working with lawmakers on legislation aimed at strengthening protections for children and families.
LAWMAKERS STEP IN
In a letter dated February 5, 2026, multiple Oklahoma State Senators and Representatives wrote directly to Oklahoma Human Services Director Cartmell expressing serious concerns over the agency’s handling of Chico’s employment matter.
The legislators questioned why DHS continued to expend taxpayer funds resisting court orders while simultaneously requesting additional budget increases from the State.
At the same time DHS is reportedly seeking approximately $70 million in additional funding beyond its allocated budget, lawmakers raised concerns about fiscal responsibility and the continued use of public funds to fight a matter that has now been affirmed multiple times.
Chico has returned to work.
Although reinstated, Chico’s autoimmune treatment was disrupted during the months she was removed from work.
Her health insurance lapsed immediately upon termination. Specialists required new referrals before treatment could resume. As of this update, certain specialist appointments and autoimmune treatment protocols have not yet restarted due to the disruption caused by the termination and delays in compliance with the reinstatement order.
While DHS states it is happy to welcome her back, personal attacks and questionable conduct from DHS legal counsel cast doubt on whether the agency intends to fully comply with the court’s orders or force additional litigation. Chico is now seeking DHS records related to her termination and the agency’s litigation.
Chico is represented in the employment termination/reinstatement case by attorney Shar Agosto of August Law Firm PLLC - Oklahoma. Be sure to follow and like August Law Firm PLLC - Oklahoma.
