When the alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect is the child’s parent, guardian, or a person responsible for the child’s welfare, mandated reporters must report to the county DSS office or to law enforcement in the county where the child resides or is found.
When the alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect is not the child’s parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, the law requires that a report be made to law enforcement.
To report a potential case of child abuse or neglect, immediately contact the county Department of Social Services office where the child resides. Intake staff will assist the person making the report and assess the information provided to determine if an investigation is necessary. Local law enforcement offices can also file reports of potential abuse or neglect and ask DSS to investigate the case.
South Carolina established a system for the reporting and investigation of child abuse and neglect with passage of the Child Protection Act in 1977. This law has since been amended, but the primary purpose has remained constant: to safeguard the welfare and safety of children. Mandatory reporters play a key prevention role by identifying possible maltreatment and reporting their concerns to the agency responsible for investigation and intervention.
South Carolina Legislature, Title 63, South Carolina Children’s Code, Chapter 7, Child Protection and Permanency.
If a new parent is in crisis, a special prevention law is in place to help ensure that the infant is safety surrendered into the hands of caring professionals and not abandoned to what could be a dangerous situation.
A person who leaves a newborn up to 60 days old cannot be prosecuted for abandonment if he or she takes the unharmed baby to staff or an employee of a safe haven.
Safe havens are defined as a hospital or hospital outpatient facility, law enforcement agencies, fire stations, emergency medial services (EMS) stations or a house of worship during the time the church or synagogue is staffed.
This law is also known as Daniel's Law, named for a child abandoned and found alive in a landfill.
Because of their profession, mandated reporters are required by South Carolina law to report any suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.
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