In the State of South Carolina, many individuals in governmental or childcare-related jobs are required by law to report any suspected child abuse.
What is Suspected Child Abuse?
Physical Abuse
Physical harm, or risk of harm, done intentionally by another person.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual activity inflicted on a child such as fondling, intercourse, exploitation, or exposure to child pornography.
Emotional Abuse
Belittling, berating of a child in an effort to injure their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Medical Abuse
Unnecessary medical care stems from false information.
Neglect
Failure to provide necessary and adequate food, shelter, affection, supervision, education, and medical care.
What are the Signs of Child Abuse?
Physical Abuse
Bruises
Factures
Burns
Sexual Abuse
Pregnancy or infections transmitted by sexual activity
Knowledge of sexual activities that is inappropriate for a child’s age
Blood in child’s undergarments
Attempting inappropriate sexual activities with other children
Statements from children about being abused
Emotional Abuse
Low self-esteem
Depression
Avoidance of certain situations
The decline in school performance or interest in school
Loss of developmental skills
Neglect
Underweight or overweight for age group
Poor hygiene
Poor school attendance
Lack of medical care
Lack of clothing or supplies
Who is Required to Report Child Abuse in South Carolina?
According to Code 1976 § 63-7-310 of the Code of Laws Of South Carolina “a physician, nurse, dentist, optometrist, medical examiner, or coroner, or an employee of a county medical examiner’s or coroner’s office, or any other medical, emergency medical services, mental health, or allied health professional, member of the clergy including a Christian Science Practitioner or religious healer, clerical or nonclerical religious counselor who charges for services, school teacher, counselor, principal, assistant principal, school attendance officer, social or public assistance worker, substance abuse treatment staff, or childcare worker in a childcare center or foster care facility, foster parent, police or law enforcement officer, juvenile justice worker, undertaker, funeral home director or employee of a funeral home, persons responsible for processing films, computer technician, judge, and a volunteer non-attorney guardian ad litem serving on behalf of the South Carolina Guardian Ad Litem Program or on behalf of Richland County CASA” are all required to report any suspected child abuse.
Only those under the age of 18 in these fields of work are excused from their duty as mandatory reporters of child abuse.
Where do you Report Child Abuse in South Carolina?
If you believe you know of an instance of child abuse, please report these suspicions to a supervisor or person in charge, in addition to the county department of social services or local law enforcement. There is also a hotline available 24/7 for reports of child abuse, 1-888-CARE4US or 1-888-227-3487
What happens if you Report Child Abuse in South Carolina and you are incorrect?
If you make a report of child abuse to a local agency and you are incorrect about your suspicions, you will not be held liable as long as your report was made in “Good Faith”. Good Faith reports are given immunity by state law and those who respond to the report are not able to sue the reporter. But if it is found that an individual knowingly withheld information and failed to report or made a report in “Bad Faith”, they will be charged with a misdemeanor and upon conviction will be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to 6 months.
Sources:
https://dss.sc.gov/media/1903/dss-brochure-1955-jan-19.pdf
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/report.pdf
Hite and Stone, Attorneys at Law help children who have been abused at the hands of a government agency or other child care facilities.
Please contact us if you believe we may be able to help you seek justice for an abused child. We are committed to making South Carolina a better place to live and raise our families.
Serving the Upstate of South Carolina for 40 Years
Offices located in Abbeville, SC and Greenville, SC
864.568.0215