Haley Implements Plan to Revamp Richland Co. DSS

Richland Co., (SC)– Governor Nikki Haley says her office is tackling the issues facing the Department of Social Services, starting in Richland County. In an e-mail sent to ABC Columbia News from the governor’s office, Haley says while each office has unique needs it has become clear that Richland County stands out as needing additional assistance. The changes coming to the Richland County DSS office… “¢ A 20-person intensive casework team has been dispatched to immediately relieve Richland County caseloads. “¢ Additional caseworkers will be hired and fully trained over the next five months for staffing investigations, foster care, family preservation, and in supervisory capacities. “¢ In addition to being relieved of individual cases, additional supervisors will be hired to improve oversight of caseload ratios, and allowed to refocus their work on evaluation, continuous improvement of staff performance, and seamless transition of cases between caseworkers. “¢ Creating a second shift in Richland County. “¢ Providing regional supports for the intake process. “¢ Employ a full-time liaison to coordinate with Richland County Sheriff‘s Office, Richland County Coroner, and Richland County CASA. “¢ Partner with the Department of Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Services to provide better access to care for DSS families. “¢ Establish a single point-of-contact for local service coordination with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. “¢ Incorporating DSS into the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Fusion Center.