You may contact one of our Family Advocacy Counselors at (843)
228-3393/2044 or for information on the local community please call (843)
470-4589. Another resource is the Department of Social Services located on Duke
Street in Beaufort.
Persons who come to the attention of the Department
of Social Services in need of protective services are those who are potentially
abusive of their children or who are suspected of having abused or neglected
their children. DSS caseworkers assess reports of child abuse/neglect to
determine their validity. This includes determining whether the child is "at
risk" of being abused or neglected and determining the family's need for support
services.
Intervention in child protection cases requires that a worker
have both a working knowledge of a variety of treatment modalities and resource
development skills. Sometimes this treatment intervention requires the temporary
placement of children out of their home(s) to ensure their safety. Child
protective services caseworkers also provide information and referral services
to families requesting assistance not related to abuse/neglect.