Chaquilla Ta’junea Speaks Out After Son Appears With Swollen Face While in DHS Foster Care [VIDEO]

Chaquilla Ta’junea is publicly pleading for help after sharing a video showing her son with visible facial swelling while he is living in foster care under the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).

In the video, Ta’junea documents her child’s condition and states she is recording the evidence “in case anything happens” while he remains in DHS care. She says she is urgently trying to have her oldest child removed from the current foster placement and returned to a safe environment.

At this time, the exact circumstances surrounding how or where the child’s injuries occurred have not been confirmed. The video reflects what the mother reports and what is visibly shown, but officials have not released verified details regarding the cause of the swelling or whether an incident report has been filed.

Under Oklahoma law, when DHS takes custody of a child, the state assumes full responsibility for that child’s safety, health, and well-being, regardless of the reason the child entered foster care. Children may be placed in DHS custody for various reasons that do not necessarily indicate parental unfitness, including temporary safety concerns, behavioral challenges, or family crises.

Advocates have long raised concerns that older children in foster care, particularly those with emotional or behavioral needs, may face heightened risks and delayed responses when injuries or safety concerns arise. Allegations involving harm or neglect in foster placements require immediate review and transparency.

The situation raises serious questions that warrant prompt attention, including what occurred while the child was in DHS custody, whether the condition was documented and reported, if medical care was provided, and whether the current placement is safe and appropriate.

Under Oklahoma law, every individual is a mandated reporter. Anyone who believes a child may be unsafe has a legal obligation to report concerns to DHS and local law enforcement. Authorities are urged to thoroughly review the case to ensure the child’s safety and accountability within the foster care system.

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