As we begin 2023, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of compassion.

Compassion is a powerful force that has the ability to bring people together and create positive change in the world. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, to understand their struggles and challenges, and to offer support and understanding.

Over the past year, we have all faced challenges and uncertainty. And in these difficult times, compassion has played a crucial role in helping us come together and support one another. Whether it was through small acts of kindness or larger efforts to make a difference, we have shown compassion to those around us, and it has made a difference.

As we move forward into the year ahead, I'm asking our partners to join with us to continue cultivating compassion and making it a central part of our lives and service to others. Whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need, let's make compassion a guiding principle that helps us create a better world for all.

So let's embrace this new year with compassion, enthusiasm and determination. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve and create a better SC for all.

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.

SNAP Benefit Inquiry Portal

The SC Department of Social Services wants to alert the public about a phishing campaign involving texts claiming EBT benefit cards are locked.

The grant provides an additional $3.7 million in federal funds through the new Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Planning Grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. Read more...

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.

DECE gave away free tickets and meal vouchers to families whose children participate in a Head Start program. During the game, families were able to visit information booths from DECE programs and other partnering organizations, as well as participate in fun activities that focused on healthy food, nutrition, and physical activity.

Along with promoting health and fitness, DECE also recognized individuals who have made a difference in the lives of children and families. Latifah Long, director of Bright Horizons at The Columbia Federal Center in Columbia, was honored as the Child Care Hero of the Game, and the Hines Family of Richland County was recognized as the Adoptive Family of the Year.

On January 14th, ABC Quality, in partnership with the Gamecocks, honored Tammy Mancuso, Director of Living Springs Lutheran Church Child Development Center in Columbia, as the Child Care Hero of the Game. Watch a short video of her recognition during the Gamecocks men’s basketball game.

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.

Helping individuals achieve sustainability.

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.  

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:

Click here to view a video about how our partnership with Homes of Hope in Greenville, SC is changing lives!

The Department of Social Services has made a dedicated page on the agency’s website regarding Daniel’s Law in South Carolina with current data. This is the first Daniel’s Law baby surrendered in South Carolina during the 2023 calendar year.

A safe abandonment such as this is a perfect time to remind the public that the SC Safe Haven for Abandoned Babies Act provides a safe, legal option for the abandonment of babies up to 60 days old. For more information about the Safe Haven Act, known as Daniel’s Law, please click here. For a listing of crisis pregnancy organizations, please see this brochure.

1-888-828-3555

or scfamilies.org 

In late December, DHEC suspended the license of Bowel’s Residential Care Home, a community residential care facility (CRCF), in McClellanville, SC. This CRCF housed approximately 17 men in two homes. Some of the residents had lived at Bowel’s for decades and considered the other residents family. 

Although none of the residents were DSS APS clients or in the custody of DSS, the APS team helped residents collect and pack personal belongings, provide transportation to new placements, and calm fears and anxieties while also knowing that they had a limited amount of time to assist the residents with relocation. At the end of the third day with Russell Rich in the lead, the APS staff helped facilitate the smooth transition of 10 residents to other facilities while eight were moved to another facility. This also marked the first time that no EPC’s occurred during one of these events

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.

The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) recently collected and disbursed over $11.7 million dollars in only four days. The fact that this was accomplished during the business days after Christmas and following New Year’s Day is even more incredible. The State Disbursement Unit, the centralized child support collection and disbursement operation, processed over 20,000 collections each day along with a similar number of disbursements to parents. While it is easy to focus solely on a number or give credit to the Palmetto Automated Child Support System (PACSS), it is the dedicated professionals of the Child Support Services Division who made this possible. Read more...

A secure way for parents to APPLY for child support services and ACCESS important case information

Recognized for their hard work and leading with Competence, Courage, and Compassion for January are: Dan Rusu, Information Technology, Columbia; Lindsay McDowell, Staff Training & Development Division, Conway; Darlene German, Adult Protective Services, Florence County; Mary “Beth” Hudson, Economic Services, Chester; (DSS State Director Michael Leach); Emily Chibbaro, Child Welfare Services, Upstate Region; Rena Miler-Vinson, Child Support Services, Columbia; and, Amy Stanko, Office of General Counsel, Spartanburg.

Director Leach read Friends by Emily Bannister & Ana Sanfelippo virtually. Students and staff were thankful for the opportunity to listen and learn through the power of reading!

Josie Jones Named New Anderson County Director

Last month, a dedicated team gathered early on a Saturday morning to transform rooms into a safe, welcoming space for children when they are in the office. Thanks to Jennifer and Benjamin Tice and the surrounding community for their tremendous effort! Click here to find out more.

Parents or caregivers needing assistance with things such as food, housing, education, and transportation should check out www.scParents.org. The site, run by the Children’s Trust of South Carolina, helps connect families with resources and reduced-costs programs.

For more information, please email diaperdash@scacap.org.

Thanks to the Richland County Sheriff's Department and Richland County Foster Parent Association for helping to bring joy this season.

Recently, more than 60 boxes were filled with items to give to foster children. Click here to learn more.

Children and their families were lined up bright and early for the event. Comforters, blankets, and other items were given away on a first-come, first-served basis. The event was made possible thanks to the outstanding support of community partners. Learn more about this year’s event here.

The event was the culmination of Staff Development and Training’s “12 Days of Holiday Joy,” which included ugly sweaters, cleaning out closets, group caroling, and more. To learn more about “Stuff the Trucks” event, click here.

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.

Watch this video to learn more.

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.