LawHelp.org/SC

Abuse, Neglect, and Foster Care

Legal Information

• Adult Services and Case Management Division

  The mission of Adult Protective Services is to protect the health and welfare of elderly and disabled adults. Adult Protective Services are provided to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and are victims of actual or potential abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This mistreatment may be caused by others or self-inflicted. DSS is authorized, by the Omnibus Adult Protection Act of the South Carolina Code of Laws, to investigate all reports and provide services. Services are provided to meet the adults' basic needs and to ensure their safety. Content Detail

  By:

  SC Department of Social Services

• A Family's Guide to the Child Welfare System

  A guide for families in the child welfare system including experiences other families have had, laws and policies, and ways to advocate for a family's rights. Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Child Protection Hearing Checklist: Intervention

  PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Child Protection Hearing Checklist: Permanency Planning (additional)

  PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Child Protection Hearing Checklist: Permanency Planning (initial)

  PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Child Protection Hearing Checklist: Probable Cause

  PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Child Protection Hearing Checklist: Removal

  PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Child Protection Hearing Checklist: Termination of Parental Rights

  PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Children's Law: List of Online Publications

  Long list of online resources offered by various organizations for topics within Children's Law, directed at the layperson as well as attorneys and judicial officials. Most resources are in PDF format and may load slowly. Content Detail

  By:

  USC Children's Law Office

• Excerpt on Guardian ad Litems from Child Abuse and Neglect Handbook

  Guide to what parents should know if they are investigated for child abuse or child neglect. PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Adopting Children From Foster Care

  Content Detail

  By:

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Can I Become A Guardian ad Litem in DSS Cases?

  Content Detail

  By:

  Governor's Office - Guardian Ad Litem Program

• Child Protective and Preventive Services

  If you need to report possible abuse or neglect, or have a question about reporting possible abuse or neglect, please contact your local (county) DSS office. Content Detail

  By:

  SC Department of Social Services

• Children Are Victims, Too

  Domestic abuse affects children as well as adults. This page includes safety tips for children and suggestions for adults. Content Detail

  By:

  Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse

• Foster Care Services

  The licensing programs enforce the child caring laws of the State of South Carolina for residential child caring and child placing agencies. The Department is mandated to license, register and/or approve 24-hour residential child caring facilities, child placing agencies, and foster family homes. The Licensing staff administers the regulatory statutes to ensure compliance with standards which are established for the protection and supervision of children in out-of-home care provided by both the private and public sector. Content Detail

  By:

  SC Department of Social Services