Lawmaker Claims DSS is in Total Meltdown

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — State Senator Joel Lourie says, in his opinion, the Department of Social Services is in total meltdown and children are more vulnerable now than years past. “We are not in meltdown. We’ve been in build up, strengthen mode since I got here,” says Lillian Koller, State Director of the Department of Social Services. “Why did it take 10 months for this SWAT like approach?,” questioned Senator Joel Lourie, (D) Richland A DSS oversight hearing became heated Wednesday as lawmakers demanded answers from Koller. “After we’ve heard reports about Guinyard, after Baby Webb, after Miller 10 months later, now we decide there’s a problem?,” questioned Lourie Lourie is referring to changes at the Richland County branch, announced by Governor Nikki Haley last week, that include a 20 person intensive caseworker team, the hiring of more caseworkers and a full-time liason with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Koller argued changes like training staff and hiring new staff were already ongoing. Senator Katrina Shealy, of Lexington County, questioned the time frame of DSS’s response in the Baby Webb case. At five months old, he died after not having a heart monitor prescribed by his doctor. His mother, Jennifer Coles, is charged with Homicide by Child Abuse/Neglect in connection to his death. Authorities say DSS was called, by a medical professional, on May 3, 2014 but took 49 days to act. Koller says DSS tried to make contact on May 4, 2014, May 11, 2014 and April 5, 2014. Senator Shealy noted those dates are seven and 25 days apart. “I mean since it was a medical emergency, would that not be a long time to act?,” questioned Senator Katrina Shealy, (R) Lexington Koller stated she wasn’t sure the report conveyed a medical emergency. Another topic brought up Wednesday, caseloads. “We had a caseworker in Richland County, one of the best workers there who left three months ago with 70 cases,” says Lourie Lourie says he’s had numerous meetings with staff who say they cannot handle their workload. “I am fearful that we are going to lose more good, qualified staff. The door is spinning as rapidly, if you step into it you’re gonna get run over,” says Lourie “We have caseworkers here with too many cases. That’s not a question in my mind. What is a question is, “What’s the right number?” says Koller Koller says she will personally look into workers reportedly handling more than 30 cases at a time and contact county directors to find out why that’s happening. Wednesday marked Koller’s second time testifying before lawmakers. She also testified on April 16, 2014.