Department of Social Services - Law Blog

What to Expect if DSS Petition is Filed Against You (A Parent)

Getting notice that DSS is taking your children because there are allegations of abuse, neglect or dependency can be very scary as a parent, and so can the confusing and long process of getting your children back from the department.…

Protecting Children: Child Abuse & Reporting to DSS

Department of Social Services Family Law

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is a South Carolina cabinet agency. DSS’s mission is “to serve South Carolina by promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, helping individuals achieve stability and strengthening families.” DSS protects…

The Foster Care Adoption Process in North Carolina

Department of Social Services Family Law

There are several types of adoptions, each with potentially different steps and requirements. However, many of the core elements are the same. In the case of an adoption of a child in foster care, the adoption is managed by state…

Termination of Parental Rights in North Carolina

Department of Social Services

Parents have both legal rights and responsibilities in North Carolina. When parental rights are terminated, a person can lose the rights given to parents concerning their child. This is a serious matter, and will only be granted in situations defined…

Termination of Parental Rights in South Carolina

Department of Social Services

If you are a parent, you know that the responsibilities that come with parenting are limitless. You are responsible for taking care of them physically, emotionally, and financially, among other things. But circumstances arise that may deem it necessary to…

My Ex Called DSS on Me, What do I do?

Department of Social Services

There are many times when a former significant other calls the Department of Social Services on the other parent. While the person making the report is anonymous, it can be evident of who made the report. Unfortunately, a majority of…

Responsible Individual as Identified by DSS

Department of Social Services

If you or anyone in your family has been placed on the responsible individual list by the Department of Social Services, it is very important to understand exactly what that means. It can be a very serious accusation and one…