DSS recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

Courtesy SC DSS press release

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time in which a child and family serving the community come together to bring awareness of neglect and abuse.

According to SCDSS, there are currently over three thousand children in foster care and of those over 500 are in Richland County.

ABC Columbia is also told there are more than four thousand child welfare open investigations representing more than nine thousand children involved.

The agency says the community can help by looking for signs of abuse and neglect and then reporting it.

Potential signs of abuse and neglect include changes in behavior, withdrawing from social engagement, bruises or bad hygiene.

DSS says if you spot signs of child abuse or neglect you can call the 24 hour hotline 1-888-CARE-4-US but call 911 if you see child in immediate danger.

ABC Columbia’s Miya Payton gives us a deeper look at the state and shares how we all play a role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children.