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 children and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect by parents, guardians, caretakers, or others.
S.C. Code § 63-7-20 lays out the specific definitions of the crime of child abuse or neglect in South Carolina. Specifically, the infliction of physical or mental injury to a child or the allowance of such harm to be inflicted. Additionally, a substantial risk of harm to a child may be found to be child abuse. Sexual offenses against a child committed by one, the allowance of another to commit sexual offenses against a child, or the creation of a substantial risk of a sexual offense against the child may fall under abuse. The failure to provide a child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision, or health care that results in physical or mental injury to the child qualifies as child neglect. Further, child abandonment is considered a form of neglect. The encouragement or confinement of children taking part in delinquent acts falls under abuse/neglect. Female genital mutilation or substantial risk of female genital mutilation is considered abuse. In the chance that any of these forms of abuse or neglect have been committed or have had a substantial risk of being committed, then one may have reason to report to DSS.
While it may not always be clear if neglect or abuse is occurring, there are certain signs to look out for. Neglect is when a parent or guardian, who could provide for the child, does not provide for the basic needs of a child. Potential neglect signs may be found if the child is underweight, showing poor growth patterns and failure to thrive, abandonment, etc. Physical abuse may appear as bruises, broken bones, burns, etc. Sexual abuse may present itself as bloody underclothing, difficulty walking or sitting, exhibiting sexual behaviors unusual for the child’s particular stage of human development, etc. Emotional abuse often stunts a child’s emotional development. Signs of emotional abuse may appear as anxiety, suicidal thoughts or actions, isolative actions, disruptive behavior, etc. It is important to note that signs of abuse are not uniform in every child or vulnerable adult; thus, they may be more or less expansive than the mentioned potential signs.
Mandated reporters are those required by South Carolina Law to report known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. First, healthcare professionals, like doctors and nurses, are required due to their relationship with the physical and mental well-being of children. Education professionals, like teachers and school attendance officers, are mandated reporters. Social or public assistance professionals are foster parents, childcare workers, substance abuse treatment coordinators, etc. fall under this category. Legal professionals, like police officers and attorneys, are required to report. Undertakers and funeral home directors/ employees must report abuse and/or neglect to DSS. Clergy, including religious healers, are mandatory reporters. Also, film processors and computer technicians fall into this category. A mandated reporter need not have conclusive evidence of abuse or neglect to report. If a mandated reporter is found to have failed to report abuse or neglect and has been found guilty of the misdemeanor, the reporter may be fined $500 or imprisoned for up to six months. While certain individuals are mandated reporters, anyone who observes or has reason to believe abuse or neglect is occurring should report the issues to DSS.
SCDSS is open 24 hours and may be reached at 1-888-CARE4US or 1-888-227-3487. If the situation is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. At King Law, we understand the challenges involved in any family law matter. Our goal is to help guide you through this process and listen to your concerns. Call 888-748-KING or fill out our form to schedule a consultation at one of our multiple office locations throughout North and South Carolina.
