When can DSS get Custody?

WHEN CAN DSS GET CUSTODY?

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) has a responsibility to help people with their family problems. If parents do not provide their children with basic necessities or if they physically, emotionally, or sexually abuse their children, DSS can ask a judge for a custody and place the children in another home. DSS can take children forever and/or place the children for adoption if the parents don’t visit or support them when in custody of DSS, or the parents don’t solve the problem that caused DSS to take the children. This is called “termination of parental rights.”

This information was prepared to give you some general information on the law. It is not intended as legal advice about any particular problem.