Requests for Research and/or Access to Data for Research Purposes
Researchers should be aware that access to information pertaining to DSS clients is governed by state and Federal laws and regulations. Researchers must receive permission from the SCDSS IRB in order to engage in research or evaluation projects involving or using agency data, and such permission is required whether the project is initiated internally or externally.
"Agency data" includes "client information" and refers to all information maintained in paper or electronic records within all SCDSS agency programs regarding clients who are either currently receiving services or who have ever received services. "Agency data" also refers to data extracts drawn from client databases and to data provided in statistical and/or aggregate form. SCDSS will charge researchers for data extracts if programming time is required to provide the requested information. “Agency data” also refers to survey information of SCDSS employees.
DSS regulations require that researchers download, complete and submit the External Research, Evaluation and Aggregate Level Data Request Form.
Mail completed request form to:
Director, South Carolina Department of Social Services
P. O. Box 1520
Columbia, S. C., 29202-1520
ATTN: Diana Tester
Or, email request form to the attention of:
diana.tester@dss.sc.gov and andrew.johnson@dss.sc.gov
NOTE: If emailing, please include both email addresses listed above. Failure to obtain the requisite permission to access data prior to obtaining grant funding and/or initiation of research does not require SCDSS to grant permission after the fact. Further, it is strongly recommended that investigators who are applying for grant funds to fund their research submit their requests for data to the SCDSS Director in advance of their applications to the funding organization. DSS will provide approved researchers with a letter stating that the researcher has followed the appropriate procedures to access DSS data for the grant application process.
