South Carolina Launches New Community Pathway for Parents as Teachers Under the Family First Prevention Services Act: A Major Step Forward for Strengthening Families and Preventing Child Maltreatment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of Communications & External Affairs
publicinfo@dss.sc.gov
803-898-7602

Columbia, S.C.- September 2, 2025- The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) received federal approval to launch a Community Pathway for Parents as Teachers (PAT) under the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018. This transformative moment for South Carolina will enhance the state’s ability to leverage federal financial participation to support the state’s upstream prevention efforts to strengthen children and families across the state. 

This marks the first time South Carolina has created a dedicated statewide pathway for families to access services through community-based referrals, without child welfare system involvement.

“This pathway puts the focus where it belongs- on supporting parents, building skills, and connecting families with resources when they need it most”, said Tony Catone, DSS State Director. “South Carolina is now just the ninth jurisdiction across the country with an approved community pathway and is the only state in the Southeast region to receive federal approval for this transformative program. This approval positions South Carolina to be a national leader in prevention.”

Under FFPSA, states have the opportunity to fund certain evidence-based programs aimed at preventing foster care entry by addressing some of the root causes of family instability. Parents as Teachers (PAT) is one of the most rigorously studied models in the country for families with children aged 0-5, with proven results in:

• Increasing positive parenting practices
• Improving child health and school readiness
• Strengthening family resilience
• Connecting parents to crucial community resources

By taking a Community Pathway approach to prevention, schools, pediatricians, community-based organizations, and other trusted partners can refer families to PAT for services without any stigma or formal child welfare involvement. This proactive approach not only aligns with SCDSS’ broader vision for a proactive system for child and family well-being but also bridges existing gaps in service accessibility.

“This is a significant milestone for South Carolina”, said Dr. Steven Ferrufino, Chief Transformation Officer at SCDSS. “By opening the door for families to access PAT through this community pathway, we are living out the vision of FFPSA, supporting families upstream and before they reach a point of crisis. It’s a major shift towards prevention, dignity, and family empowerment.”  

This initiative reflects a strong collaboration between SCDSS and the South Carolina Office of First Steps, which administers the PAT program through county partnerships. It represents a policy shift towards preventative, family-centered services—a shift that will reduce child maltreatment, lessen trauma from involvement in the child welfare system, improve child and family well-being, and create lasting community impact. 

Information on how to make referrals for families to participate in the PAT program will be announced soon.

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