COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The South Carolina Department of Social Services says the abuse of a toddler that led to a $3.75 million verdict against the agency is a heartbreaking tragedy. DSS spokeswoman Karen Wingo said Monday the number of child abuse investigations has nearly doubled from 2013 to 2016 as complaints are investigated more often. New DSS Director Susan…
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A grant to the Department of Social Services will allow caseworkers in three counties to access children’s files on their smartphones while away from the office. The agency announced Wednesday the award from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation. Spokeswoman Karen Wingo says the $250,000 grant will fund the development of an app allowing access…
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina Department of Social Services has ended a lawsuit by agreeing to lower social workers’ caseloads, put fewer children in institutions, and do a better job investigating allegations of abuse. The agreement filed in federal court Friday settles a lawsuit accusing the agency of endangering children in its care. Sue Berkowitz with Appleseed Legal…
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Governor Nikki Haley, Director Susan Alford of the South Carolina Department of Social Services, and foster parents and child advocates from across the state Wednesday announced DSS’ “Champions for Children” foster care recruitment campaign. The campaign aims to recruit approximately 1,500 new licensed foster care families across the state in order to provide stability and well-being…
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — About 60,000 poor South Carolinians could lose their government food assistance this summer if they don’t meet work requirements. The state Department of Social Services says South Carolina’s exemption from work-for-food requirements ends April 1. Falling unemployment in South Carolina and other states triggered a rule change in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It applies…
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Despite hiring 170 more child welfare workers, high caseloads persist in South Carolina’s troubled Department of Social Services. DSS deputy director Taron Davis told a Senate panel this week there are still 73 caseworkers in the state who have caseloads of more than 50 children. She said one Anderson County caseworker is responsible for 120 children…
