Families caught up in DSS investigations are faced with many questions concerning their rights. Anxiety arises from their general unfamiliarity with the process, even if DSS has not yet filed a petition alleging abuse or neglect. Typical questions are: “What are my rights?” or “Do I need a lawyer?”
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?
South Carolina Courts have repeatedly held that parents and children hold reciprocal rights in each other. That is, the relationship--from both perspectives (child to parent, parent to child) is a...
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,... 
Life’s unfortunate circumstances may so impact a mother that she must decide that she simply cannot raise her newborn infant.
Too numerous are the instances where a new born infant is found abandoned in a public restroom or deposited in a dumpster. A mother may prefer to make the decision to give her child up to a third party who can better provide for the health, education and welfare of the child.
SC Code Section 63-7-40 (commonly referred to as Daniel’s Law, which I'll refer to... 
There are many reasons why third parties (e.g., grandparents, aunts and uncles or friends) may wish to intervene in a child abuse or neglect case. The most common is so that they can have input into the case and be heard as to what they believe is in the best interests of the victim child. Usually, they believe that the child’s best interests include their being awarded temporary or permanent custody of the child. DSS may or may not agree.
It is an uphill fight... 
In an earlier post I noted that DSS could offer as safety plan as an alternative to removal of the child. (See 
I recently had a case where DSS referred my clients to 
