News

DSS Celebrates National Social Workers Month; DSS’ Richland County Teneka Payne Named MDT Participant of the Year

March 9, 2017 - The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) recognizes March as National Social Workers Month. “We recognize Social Work Month to thank our human and economic case workers for their hard work, perseverance and service to the community year round,” said DSS Director Susan Alford. She continued, “This month we’d like to show our appreciation to our staff who have been recognized by the community.”

Read More

Notice of Abandonment - Newberry

November 28, 2016 - Newberry County Department of Social Services officials report that an infant was born on November 25, 2016, and abandoned at Newberry County Memorial Hospital in Newberry on November 26, 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.

Read More

Notice of Abandonment - Greenwood

November 18, 2016 - Greenwood, SC - Greenwood County Department of Social Services officials report that an infant was born on November 11, 2016, and abandoned at Self Regional Hospital located in Greenwood on November 13, 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.

Read More

Court Grants Approval SC Department of Social Services Class Action Settlement

October 4, 2016- Over the last approximately eighteen months, the South Carolina Department of Social Services, under new leadership and a comprehensive strategic plan, have been implementing systematic, sustainable reforms in its child welfare policies and practices. The Department has already begun to address the primary drivers for child welfare reform through a variety of means, including, but not limited to, addressing caseloads of child welfare staff, engaging in ongoing caseworker recruitment, the implementation of a foster care recruitment campaign, and the development of a state-wide Advisory Board.

Read More

Notice of Abandonment: Permanency Planning Hearing

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.

Read More

Emergency Information for Child Care Providers

CHILD CARE PROVIDERS - if you experience damage or closure due to an emergency or disaster, please call the DSS Division of Early Care and Education at: 1-888-825-7174 (EMERGENCY LINE)

Read More

better together logo

Child Welfare Services Transformation

Best Outcomes for Children and Families

Do you have a complaint regarding services being provided to a child by a state agency? Please submit your complaint by phone (1-800-206-1957) or an electronic submission form here with the South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy..