Baby Webb Case Prompts DSS Policy Change

CCLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — 72 hours is all a Department of Social Services intake officer has to locate a family after a complaint is filed with the agency. If the family is not located within that time frame, law enforcement must be notified. It’s a change made just this week, but for five month old Bryson Webb it was too late. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says DSS knew Bryson Webb’s life might’ve been in danger on March 3rd when a medical professional called. “When she made her telephone report, they told her an intake officer would be in touch. She heard from them on April 21st,” says Coroner Gary Watts Bryson Webb died the next day. His mother, Jennifer Coles, is accused of not using his heart monitor as prescribed by a doctor. DSS Director, Lillian Koller released a statement that says, in part, “The Department of Social services began investigating this case immediately, which involved having a caseworker physically attempt to locate this family five different times, including at night and on the weekends.” However, Coroner Watts says the person who made the complaint had contact with Baby Webb and Coles from March 3, 2014 – April 4, 2014 with no problem finding them. But, could DSS have saved Baby Webb’s life? Koller says, in a statement, “Despite the very best efforts of DSS, there are tragic cases where the system as a whole is not able to prevent a child from being harmed by their own parents.” Thursday Independent candidate for Governor, Tom Ervin called for Governor Nikki Haley to replace Lillian Koller saying, “Another child has needlessly died under your watch. Sheriff Leon Lott and Coroner Gary Watts have confirmed that your agency waited seven weeks before contacting the medical professional who provided the tip to DSS that the now-dead 5 month old was in danger.” Ervin joins Democratic candidate for Governor, Vincent Sheheen and Senator Joel Lourie in calling for Koller’s replacement.