Lourie Calls on Haley to Fire Koller

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Senator Joel Lourie claims DSS Director, Lillian Koller, is ‘harming children’ by ‘ignoring state law’ and Governor Haley should fire the director immediately. For the first time in his 16 years of public service, the democratic state senator calls on a sitting governor to remove a director, the governor appointed. “Everything rises and falls with leadership,” said Lourie. At the state house Tuesday, Lourie presented documents he claims came from the State Department of Social Services (DSS). The information suggests DSS director, Lillian Koller, who was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley in 2010, is ignoring state law. Thus, putting children in harm’s way. “I want to work with the governor and the governor’s staff to bring in a new director who can turn this ship around,” said Lourie. “Right now, it’s headed in the wrong direction.” Among the accusations? Not ensuring the agency begin an investigation within 24 hours of receiving a report of suspected child abuse. In Richland County, for example, that equals 71 percent not seen within the recommended time period, according to the information presented by Lourie. “The 24 hours is very critical,” said Roger Hoefer, a former DSS case worker. “Bruises can disappear, injuries can be masked. Things can be covered up within 24 hours. ” Another claim is the agency’s failure to interact in person with foster care children every 30 days. “In Lexington county, that’s 39 percent. Under state law, the department is failing with that statistic,” said Lourie. However, Koller, who testified last week before a senate subcommittee, maintains she will not resign. Based on this statement Tuesday from the governor’s spokesperson, Doug Mayer, Haley he has no plans to fire Koller: “…under Koller’s leadership child deaths are down 25-percent, adoptions are up 11 percent. Governor Haley is proud of Director Koller and the work DSS is doing everyday to better protect children and families.” Sen. Lourie says if Gov. Haley doesn’t remove Koller lawmakers could take a “different recourse.” He did not elaborate on what that exactly means, but says he hopes it does not come to that point.