South Carolina Department of Social Services

September Recognized as Kinship Care Month in South Carolina

Sept. 2, 2026 – The Department of Social Services (DSS) recognizes Kinship Care Month each September, celebrating the critical role kinship caregivers play in providing safe, stable environments for children in need. Kinship caregivers include grandparents, aunts, uncles, relatives, or close family friends who step in when a child cannot safely remain with their parents or primary caregivers. According to the latest Kids Count data, 7 percent of children in South Carolina live in a household with a relative and no parent present.

Infant Safely Surrendered in Lexington County Under Safe Haven Act

September 1, 2026- Officials at Lexington Medical Center in Lexington County recently accepted an infant safely surrendered under Daniel’s Law, the state’s Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act, on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Infant Safely Surrendered in Georgetown County Under Safe Haven Act

August 28, 2026- Officials at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Georgetown County recently accepted an infant safely surrendered under Daniel’s Law, the state’s Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act, on Monday, August 24, 2026.

SNAP Demonstration Project on Hold Until Nov 1, 2026, per Federal Directive

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) has received a notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting that the Healthy Food SC demonstration project for households receiving SNAP benefits in South Carolina, which SCDSS was prepared to begin on August 31, 2026, be postponed with a new implementation date of November 1, 2026.

SC DSS Honors 2026 August Employees of the Month

August 20, 2026 -- The South Carolina Department of Social Services Employee of the Month program recognizes staff whose work exemplifies our core principles: Competence, Courage, and Compassion.

DSS to Launch Healthy Food SC Pilot Program to Encourage Healthier Habits

August 17, 2026 - COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is launching the Healthy Food SC project, a two-year initiative designed to help households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits make healthier food choices.

News