Family and Social Services

Assistance and protection programs for South Carolina Citizens.

Listing of food assistance programs available including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.

Federally funded program for women, infants, and children.

Emergency shelters, public education, and victim services.

The South Carolina State Library's Talking Book Services department provides accessible reading materials for South Carolinians unable to use conventional print due to a physical disability.

Coordinates "Mass Care" operations during disasters, which encompasses sheltering, feeding, first aid at mass care facilities, and family well-being inquiry.

Order birth, marriage, and death certificates.

DSS Emergency Hotlines and Toll Free Numbers.

Administers several programs to assist the citizens of South Carolina.

Adoptions for children who are unable to return home or be placed with relatives.

Childhood, adolescent, and adult immunizations schedules.

Custody and visitation, establishing paternity, frequently asked questions, and delinquent parents.

Investigation and intervention to protect children.

Temporary services for children removed from their families because of abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a parent or guardian.

Provides notice to unmarried biological fathers who affirmatively assume responsibility for children they may have fathered by registering with the Responsible Father Registry.

A comprehensive, results-oriented statewide education initiative to help prepare our children to reach first grade healthy and ready to succeed.

A free service that provides child care referrals and information to parents, childcare providers, and the community.

Services for individuals who are 18 years of age or older and are victims of actual or potential abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

State authority for alcohol and other drug abuse programming.

Legal documents including Living Wills and Health Care Power of Attorney, as well as other legal assistance for senior citizens.

Available resources for older adults, people with disabilities, their family members, and caregivers in South Carolina.

File for Social Security benefits, report W2 information for employees, obtain replacement Social Security cards, and more.

Plans, benefits, and provider information.

Benefits and services information for seniors; funding opportunities, manuals, and training for providers.

Provides detailed information about the past performance of Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes.