News and Updates from SCDSS | DECEMBER 2022 |
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State Director's Angle
#BetterTogether
By Michael Leach, SCDSS State Director
As the year comes to a close, it is not uncommon for us to reflect on the many contributions we have made. I find myself reflecting on the last six months and feeling proud and humbled by the incredible things we made happen for social services and for the positive impact we have had in the lives of our clients.
I want to take this opportunity to thank DSS partners for all you do to make the whole social services system stronger and more successful each day. You are some of the most caring and sacrificial people in this state and on this earth, and who you are, what you do, and the contributions you provide are so incredibly significant. Without your diligence, hard work, late nights, and early mornings we wouldn’t have been able to help people build a more confident future. I know that I am fortunate to be able to witness and work with and around such a driven, ambitious, and knowledgeable group of professionals like you.
While this year has undoubtedly required more of all of our workforces in so many ways because of the increased need, I thank you for the ways in which you have been able to adapt and accommodate change. I thank you for showing up in your work despite the risks, and for being focused on what’s best for our citizens.
In the face of change and challenge, I encourage you to treasure the passionate commitment to see opportunities where others see roadblocks. Growth can only come from change, and 2022 asked many of us to change in ways we could never anticipate. I believe that 2023 will do the same, and the way you respond and adapt to that change makes all the difference.
Whatever you plan to do and wherever you plan to be, I wish each one of you a happy and safe holiday season. Thank you for your hard work and dedication this year. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year 2023. #BetterTogether
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Click to watch a
from
State Director Michael Leach
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ECONOMIC SERVICES
Early Care & Education | Family Assistance | Employment Services
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Remembering When: Celebrating 30 Years of ABC Quality
As ABC Quality wraps up the celebration of its 30th anniversary, we would like to thank all child care programs, families, partners, and former and current staff members for celebrating with us throughout this year!
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Elizabeth “Liz” Smith
“It is hard for me to believe that ABC Quality Child Care is celebrating 30 years of providing quality child care services to SC families. Thirty years later, the commitment is strong, and the program continues to evolve! Congratulations on 30 years of success to all who were involved and who are currently involved in ABC Quality Child Care!”
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Linda M. Ellison
“It was a great time when South Carolina received federal funds to be used for the children of our state. We were so excited to put together a program that would benefit low-income parents who were struggling to work or go to school and were worried about what to do with their little ones. It was a lot of work drafting, reviewing, rewriting, reviewing again, and rewriting again, but the hard work was well worth it to help the children and parents of South Carolina. I am glad I was there in the early days and got the chance to help.”
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Lovetta Lyles Williams
"I have such vivid memories of 1992…but it all started months before then. There were endless meetings, preparing documents, brainstorming, and working long hours on so many things at the same time. As I reflect on those days, I can truly say it was one of the most rewarding work experiences I have been privileged to play a part in. Now, looking back 30 years, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with individuals who both then and now have a passion for the work. The program is thriving, moving ahead, meeting new challenges, and surpassing former goals as we envision the future, continuing to serve the families, their children, and child care providers of South Carolina."
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Beverly B. Hunter - Director, ABC Quality
"The past 30 years have been a unique opportunity to create a new program that has grown from an initial small network of 50 committed non-profits and public programs serving children birth through age 5 to a statewide system of caring providers serving families throughout the state! This has all been accomplished with a growing team of passionate, knowledgeable, and creative people committed to quality nurturing and educational experiences for children beyond the home. Our ABC family now numbers over 1,370 programs statewide!
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SC Endeavors Offers Bonus to Eligible Child Care Providers
To encourage early childhood education professional and personal development, SC Endeavors is excited to announce that the $150 Career Ladder bonus is now available to all direct care early childhood professionals working in a regulated child care program. Professionals can apply on the SC Endeavors website.
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SC Endeavors Presents Check to York County Technical College
SC Endeavors is traveling to each of the 16 technical colleges in South Carolina to present support funds for their early childhood academic programs. Recently, SC Endeavors presented a $22,500 check to York County Technical College in Rock Hill to further the work of its early childhood development program. You can read more about the presentation here.
SCDSS, the Division of Early Care and Education (DECE), and SC Endeavors recognize the professional development opportunities, resources, and tools that technical colleges provide for early childhood professionals. The program support funds will allow these technical college programs to provide continued resources to recruit, retain, and support the early childhood career and education pathway for students.
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$681 Million
provided to SC child care providers in operating and stabilization grants
to help recover from lost revenue due to low enrollments during pandemic response.
(Note: Data as of 12/06/22. Total disbursement includes
providers that received more than one grant.)
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Support Available for Parents and Child Care Providers
The SCDSS Division of Early Care and Education continues to offer financial assistance for child care for working families that have income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Information and an application for parents can be found on www.scchildcare.org under News
and Announcements.
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45,697 children
have been approved for SC Child Care Vouchers and approximately
$578 million
has been allocated for SC Vouchers since October 2020, when DSS began offering additional child care assistance programs for working parents in response to COVID-19. (Data as of 12/06/22)
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CACFP Reimbursement Rates Increase
From July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is increasing meal reimbursement rates for participating CACFP programs. Family and group child care homes participating in CACFP can now receive reimbursement at the Tier 1 rate, the highest reimbursement rate for CACFP homes. Plus, all facilities will receive an additional 10-cent reimbursement per meal or supplement. Providers interested in participating in CACFP can visit scchildcare.org to apply.
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Food Assistance for SC Families |
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Households, individuals, seniors, and the homeless may be eligible for SNAP benefits. People who are working and need help to stretch their income to purchase food may also be eligible for SNAP benefits as well as those receiving Social Security benefits, child support, or unemployment.
DSS administers SNAP through DSS county offices. Eligibility caseworkers interview applicants and approve those who qualify to receive the food benefit. Qualified applicants for SNAP begin receiving benefits within 30 days of their application. Some families and individuals may be approved for expedited benefits, which begin within seven days of application.
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The SC Department of Social Services wants to alert the public about a phishing campaign involving texts claiming EBT benefit cards are locked.
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Employment Services
Helping individuals achieve sustainability.
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ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS
Who Receive SNAP or TANF...
Each year DSS helps find jobs for thousands of recipients of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Research shows that children are more likely to escape a life of poverty if their parents enter the workforce.
DSS is committed to continuing to help people in South Carolina find employment quickly and to develop the skills necessary to obtain careers in fields where jobs are available and in demand.
If you are, or know of, a recipient of either SNAP or TANF benefits who needs assistance finding employment, click on the buttons below for resources and assistance.
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More than 3,000
TANF or SNAP E&T participants
gained employment in 2022.
(Represents full- and part-time employments to date.)
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ATTENTION, SOUTH CAROLINA EMPLOYERS!
DSS Can Help You Build a Quality Workforce
The SCDSS Division of Employment Services works to support business owners who hire SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program participants entering the workforce. When you hire our customers, you become eligible for a variety of benefits, incentives and supports designed to meet your specific needs. Hiring through DSS Employment Services programs provides businesses and new employees a promising future. We assist with:
- Tax credit opportunities for employers
- Workforce Consultants statewide
- Vocational assessments
- Pre-screened job referrals
- Background screening
- Ongoing assistance
Click here to view a video about how our partnership with Homes of Hope in Greenville, SC is changing lives! |
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SCDSS Child Welfare Services
has adopted the theme
Better Together: Enhancing Practice, Transforming Lives to reflect our commitment to achieve best outcomes for the children, youth and families we serve. This means working hand-in-hand with families, supported by a statewide network of service providers, judicial and education partners, foster parents, the faith community and so many others who are dedicated to helping families thrive.
#BetterTogether
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Shout Out for Selfless Service in Spartanburg
By Josie Jones, Spartanburg County DSS Director
On Thursday, December 1, 2022, Spartanburg County received a report that five children were being brought into emergency protective custody due to the conditions of the home. It was reported that the home and children were dirty with a lack of food. Kenterria “KT” Speaks (pictured right) was the investigator assigned to the case.
From the onset of the removal notification, KT and her supervisor, Shonna Peters worked with law enforcement to agree to a 24-hour hold, and should the concerns be remedied within that timeframe, law enforcement would re-evaluate the removal. While Shonna worked on the backend paperwork, KT worked with the family to identify the root causes of the concerns.
It was noted that the washer and dryer were broken and the children, who had limited clothing, did not have clean clothes as a result. KT partnered with foster care staff to get the children to PS I Love You, a local non-profit organization that helps foster parents and kinship caregivers, where all five children were given new clothes. In addition, it was noted that there was not any food in the home. KT again partnered with foster care staff to get food for the home.
Finally, KT went to the family home and assisted the mother with cleaning and decluttering. As a result of this teaming, local law enforcement agreed to rescind the removal and the children were returned home. This all occurred within approximately eight hours!
This is a shout out to Kenterria Speaks, her supervisor, Shonna Peters, and the Foster Care staff of Spartanburg County who rolled up their sleeves to assist this family and prevent these children from entering foster care. They have truly exhibited the true essence of our Guiding Principles and Standards (GPS) Practice Model and the “why” of our mission. Keep up the great work!
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1424 children have been reunified with their families thus far in 2022.
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Adoption Day creates Forever Families
Adoption Day in South Carolina occurred on Monday, November 21st, 2022. On that day, families from across the state gathered in courtrooms in Greenville, Sumter, Horry, Florence, and Charleston Counties to finalize their forever families. Ahead of the big day, 37 adoption finalizations were scheduled for 46 children. To date, a total of 505 public adoptions have been completed in South Carolina for 2022, exceeding the total number of finalized adoptions for the last two calendar years! (DSS Finalized Adoptions dashboard)
Throughout November and all year long, SCDSS spreads the word about the need to find forever homes, particularly for older youth, siblings, and children with complex medical needs. Click here and here to be inspired by photos and stories some of our adoptive parents allowed us to share. Watch a media interview here. And for more on Adoption Month, visit here.
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Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative Network Convening
Patrice White, Chafee/ETV Program Director, and Angela Jenkins, Program Coordinator II, Operations, recently had an opportunity to participate in the Jim Casey Initiative Network Convening. It took place from November 30-December 2 in Phoenix, Arizona. The event was sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
The goal was for agencies from around the country to come together to learn, share, and prepare for the upcoming year. Participants learned about innovations in practices, strengthening connections, and celebrated both individual and shared contributions.
SCDSS highlighted the Youth Engagement Advocates, better known as YEA! The group of young leaders successfully advocated for legislation on the Extension of Foster Care in 2022. The Extension of Foster Care bill (H.3509) was signed into law on April 25, 2022 by Governor Henry McMaster.
DSS has also partnered with Fostering Great Ideas to support YEA! As its members continue to lead the youth voice initiative in South Carolina and work to develop meaningful initiatives to advocate, educate, support, and improve the child welfare system.
Shown in the picture (left to right) are Angela Jenkins, Courtney Matthews with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Patrice White, and Ginger Harris, also with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
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3816 children
are in foster care in SC.
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BECOME A
SC FOSTER PARENT TODAY!
Many steps in the process
are online or offered virtually.
Learn more and get started today!
1-888-828-3555
or scfamilies.org
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23%
of children and youth in foster care
are placed with kin.
(Data as of 12/13/22)
We are promoting a "kin-first" culture in South Carolina and supporting the placement stability of children who reside with kinship caregivers while we serve their families.
$3.4 Million in federal pandemic relief funding provided to Kinship Caregivers.
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ADULT ADVOCACY
Adult Protective Services | Domestic Violence Prevention
Protection. Respect. Independence.
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Know the Facts...
Domestic Violence is present in every community, across all demographics. The effects of abuse suffered can be both physical and mental and can last a lifetime. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. In one year, that equals more than 10 million people. To learn more about making a difference, click here.
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The SCDSS Adult Advocacy Division has provided over
$4.8 Million
in regular program funding and federal pandemic relief funding to
13 SC domestic violence shelters serving South Carolina citizens.
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(Click the button above to access portal now.)
A secure way for parents to APPLY for child support services and ACCESS important case information
any time, any day.
- Create a unique user ID and password
- Apply for services or access existing case information
- View payment information, hearing dates, enforcement measures in place
- Receive occasional announcements affecting the case.
- Update contact information
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Child Support Customer Portal Facts (As of November 2022)
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39,000+ individual users!
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1,300+ new subscriptions each month!
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100,000+ visits to the online portal each month for 9 consecutive months!
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Nearly 140,000+ portal visits in November 2022!
Child Support Collections
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$303,725,844 collected for families in Calendar Year 2021.
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$268,455,895 collected as of December 1, 2022.
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DSS Recognizes December Employees of the Month
Six DSS professionals will be recognized by State Director Michael Leach as agency Employees of the Month for December 2022.
Recognized for their hard work and for leading with Competence, Courage, and Compassion are: (Top row, left to right) Rennette Hawkins- Capers, Economic Services Division, State Office; Michelle Edge, Child Support Services Division, Lowcountry Region; Judith Turner, Financial Services, State Office; Latoya Gadson-White, Child Welfare Services, Charleston County; (2nd row, left to right) Shelby Gaston, Adult Advocacy Services, Upstate Region; and, Stephanie Dawson, Accountability Data & Research Division, Berkeley County.
Each honoree has the use of a designated parking space for the entire month. Honorees will also receive a DSS lapel pin and an announcement sent to their local newspaper. Congratulations!
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SCDSS Welcomes Back Steven Ferrufino
Steven Ferrufino, who previously served as Assistant Director of Child Health and Well-Being at SCDSS, returned this month to assume a newly created position as Chief Transformation Officer.
Throughout his career, Steven has worked in both public and private sectors to improve the lives and well-being of children, adults, and families. His work interests include client advocacy, improvement of organizational practices, advancing the inclusion of lived experience in systemic decision-making, and increasing access to care and evidence-based services for the citizens of South Carolina. Steven has been responsible for key transformation initiatives including the development and implementation of the Opioid Treatment Program state plan amendment during his tenure at the SC Department of Health and Human Services and the Family First Prevention Services Act at SCDSS.
Steven has a passion for system transformation and believes that through intentional cross-sector partnerships and community engagement strategies, we can collaboratively facilitate the change needed to strengthen families and their communities.
Steven holds both a doctoral and master’s degree in counseling and is a licensed and board-certified counselor. He provides clinical supervision to provisionally licensed counselors and is an adjunct professor teaching graduate-level counseling courses.
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A Great Career Awaits YOU at SCDSS!
The Department of Social Services currently has job openings for case managers, attorneys and a variety of other positions.
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Partner & Community Spotlights |
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Thanksgiving Donation
By Moronda Talley, Edgefield County Director
On Thursday, November 17th, Edgefield DSS kicked off the holiday season with our annual Thanksgiving giveaway. We were able to distribute Thanksgiving donations to 113 families. Each received a bag containing stuffing mix, mashed potatoes, gravy mix, macaroni and cheese, a can of vegetables, and a can of cranberry sauce to complete their Thanksgiving meal. Also included was a $15 gift card from the local butcher shop.
The items were donated by Living Word Fellowship, A&B Shepherd Ministries, Trenton United Methodist Church, Harmony United Methodist Church, and Johnston United Methodist Church.
Pictured are Moronda Talley, Edgefield DSS County Director, Rev. Bill and Angie Shepherd, A&B Shepherd Ministries, Renada Key, Edgefield DSS, and Curtis Williams, Edgefield DHHS.
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Family Connection
Parent Training and Information Center
Serving parents of children or youth with a disability, chronic health condition or behavioral health diagnosis.
Watch this video to learn more.
Making a Connection
DSS is thankful for all of our partner organizations supporting our children, youth, families and vulnerable adults. One of them is Family Connection of South Carolina. Since 1990, they have been serving families of children with disabilities and chronic health conditions. They have served more than 100,000 families and officials say today the need is greater than ever.
Family Connection is the Parent Training and Information Center for the state of South Carolina. They are the largest family-serving organization in our state, offering education, healthcare, parent support programs, and trainings to all 46 counties, at no cost to families. Click here to learn more.
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On the Road Again
Do you have a used car or truck that you no longer need, but you do not think you can get much for it? Before you try to sell it or trade it in, why not consider donating it to help the South Carolina Foster Parent Association?
There is a desperate need for used vehicles and all cars donated to the “On the Road Again” program go to help deserving foster care youth.
Your donation could make a huge difference in the life of a young person who lacks transportation. They may be trying to get to school or work or need help to gain independence. To find out how you can make a lasting, positive impact, call Brian Marion at 803-665-9225.
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Click the red button to make an online report of suspected abuse and/or neglect, now!
Reporters may remain anonymous or provide contact information
to receive follow up on the outcome of their report.
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SC Department of Social Services
P.O. Box 1520
Columbia, SC 29202-1520
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