South Carolina Department of Social Services

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

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.

2025 September Recognized as Kinship Care Month in South Carolina

Sept. 2, 2025 – The Department of Social Services (DSS) celebrates Kinship Care Month in September, as kinship care can offer a safe and stable environment for children in need. Kinship caregivers can be grandparents, aunts, uncles, other relatives, or family friends who are willing to step in to care for a youth when they cannot safely remain with their parents or caregivers. The latest available Kids Count data shows roughly seven percent of all children in the state live in a household with a relative and no parent present.

2025 SC DSS Honors August Employees of the Month

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 Announces New Florence County Director

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Social Services would like to an-nounce Amanda Quinlan-Head as the new Florence County Director. She began her new position on Monday, May 19, 2025.

DSS Announces New Lexington County Director

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Social Services would like to announce Jennifer W. Jeffcoat as the new Lexington County Director. She began her new position on Monday, May 19th.

DSS recognizes August as Child Support Awareness Month

August 1, 2025 – Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month to highlight child support and the services available to both custodial and non-custodial parents provided by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. According to the Administration for Children and Families, approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States receives services from a child support program.

News