A recent article on child abuse has put South Carolina’s Department of Social Services (DSS) under the microscope. Richland County state senator, Joel Lourie, wants to investigate deaths of three Columbia area children from abuse or neglect while involved with DSS.
Sen. Lourie remarked, “Something has gone wrong within the agency in the last year, terribly wrong….The consequences are tragic, and I think they have let the children of South Carolina down.”
J. Paige Green, executive director of Richland County CASA, a nonprofit organization that offers guardians for kids involved in child abuse and neglect cases, added, “I have been in this business for over 30 years…And, honestly, I have never in my life been so scared or frightened for the safety of our children as I am today.”
Laura Hudson is a member of the state Child Fatality Advisory Committee and investigates suspicious child deaths. Hudson states that an alarming 312 kids have died in the past four years while involved with DSS. Currently, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has 472 investigations into child deaths.
A member of Governor Nikki Haley’s cabinet, stated, “Child safety is our top priority…Everything we do is focused on trying to prevent preventable crimes on children.”
The fact that a state agency designed to help protect children has become the focus of an investigation into children’s deaths is alarming.
No child is immune from being victimized, especially those under DSS supervision. That is why it is critical that private citizens, non-profits, and government agencies work together to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
If your child has been victimized, we are here to guide you toward justice and protect your family’s rights. For more information, and to speak with a lawyer in Columbia, call me today at (803) 790-2800. I would be honored to help your child.
