Notice of Abandonment

September 20, 2016 - Columbia, SC – Richland County Department of Social Services officials report that an infant born 7/21/16 was abandoned at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia on September 19, 2016, and placed under the protection of Safe Haven with medical professionals.

Upon the information and belief of the agency, the child falls under the jurisdiction for “Daniel’s Law,” the Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act. Baby Doe is an African American female that weighs about 11.93 pounds and is 21 inches in length.  The infant is now in DSS custody.

Effective June 2016, children up to 60 days old may be safely abandoned pursuant to the Safe Haven Act.

Under the Safe Haven Act, a permanency planning hearing will be held at the Richland County Family Courthouse, 1701 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201, on October 17, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.

Any person wishing to assert parental rights regarding the infant must do so at this hearing.