DSS: Lawsuit over SC kids’ basic needs should be dismissed

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Social services officials are seeking dismissal of a lawsuit accusing South Carolina’s child welfare agency of endangering children in its care.

In court papers filed this week, attorneys for Department of Social Services director Susan Alford say federal courts have no jurisdiction over the issues. Alford’s attorneys also say the lawsuit is in essence an attempt to force the court system to get involved in the agency’s funding.

Last year, two advocacy groups sued DSS and Gov. Nikki Haley on behalf of 11 children, saying the agency failed to provide them with basic health care and the right kind of attention.

In a separate filing, Haley says she should be dismissed from the case because she doesn’t oversee DSS and only appoints its director.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP