Many times DSS asks a family to allow their children to go live with a family member while DSS completes its investigation into allegations of child abuse or neglect. This accomplished by way of a safety plan.
The safety plan is to be signed by the parents, the protectors (grandparents) and DSS, and is valid for only 90 days. But the investigation must be completed within 45 days, unless this time period is extended. If the case is returned as founded,... DSS Safety Plan: The Ultimate Goal Must be Reunification
Many times DSS asks a family to allow their children to go live with a family member while DSS completes its investigation into allegations of child abuse or neglect. This accomplished by way of a safety plan.
The safety plan is to be signed by the parents, the protectors (grandparents) and DSS, and is valid for only 90 days. But the investigation must be completed within 45 days, unless this time period is extended. If the case is returned as founded,... 
In an earlier post I noted that DSS could offer as safety plan as an alternative to removal of the child. (See 
If the South Carolina Department of Social Services investigates a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, it may determine that the alleged abuser is not a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's welfare.
Recent reports in the Charleston 
South Carolina DSS removal of a child is, many times, not in the best interests of the child. Of course, a child who is being systematically physically or sexually abused should not remain in the care and custody of an abusive parent. But what about an eight-year-old child from a low income family that is not getting proper nourishment or who is habitually absent from school without excuse?
In an earlier post we asked