Child Welfare System in South Carolina Faces Critical Challenges Amid Leadership Changes

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Child Welfare System Under Strain

There’s been quite a bit of chatter recently about the state of South Carolina’s child welfare system. Governor Henry McMaster has been very vocal, expressing his concerns that the system is on the verge of a significant breakdown. This alert comes on the heels of Michael Leach, the head of the Department of Social Services (DSS), announcing his resignation, which will take effect in January. As many know, Leach has been at the forefront of DSS for five and a half long years, and his decision to step down is raising eyebrows all around the state.

A Tough Decision for Leach

In his resignation letter, Leach admitted that he felt a responsibility to be with the agency during challenging times when families were in urgent need of help. While he didn’t delve into specific reasons for his departure, it’s clear that leading DSS is no easy task. McMaster noted, “He’d been doing this for so long. He has a young, growing family. They miss their daddy.” It’s heart-wrenching to think about the personal sacrifices made by those in service roles like Leach’s.

Urgent Issues Ahead

The governor also pointed out that the pressure on the child welfare system has reached a critical point. He mentioned during a briefing, “Right now, it is clear that there are some deficiencies in our system, and we’re going to have to fix it.” One of the glaring issues is the struggle to find safe and appropriate places for children and teenagers who are in need. Whether it’s in foster homes or juvenile justice facilities, the reality is that options are limited.

DSS has reported that many kids end up in their offices because there simply aren’t enough spaces available. This situation is alarming and really needs urgent attention. “They end up in the only place that’s available is the offices of DSS, and that is not the right place for it to happen,” McMaster said, highlighting the inadequacies of the current system.

A Need for Solutions

As the governor pointed out, it’s essential to find new solutions, and he’s keeping an open mind about where to start. Increasing funding might be a key part of the puzzle, particularly to help restore youth detention centers that have closed due to staffing shortages. For instance, Greenville County shut down its juvenile wing in 2022, and Richland County followed suit this summer. This leaves Charleston as virtually the only county with an active detention center for youth.

Overcrowding Concerns

The problems don’t stop there. The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in Columbia faces significant overcrowding and safety concerns. While they did receive nearly $7 million in funding to lease and operate the former Greenville facility, it still hasn’t reopened. This ongoing uncertainty poses serious challenges for the state.

Looking Ahead

As McMaster attempts to navigate these stormy waters, he will have to find a successor for Leach who can step into the role with similar experience and vigor. Leach was widely praised for making strides in several areas, including increasing the number of public adoptions and improving the foster care system, which has faced scrutiny. His leadership was particularly noted after the 2016 Michelle H. lawsuit that demanded changes in how foster care is managed in the state.

In addition to seeking a new DSS director, McMaster faces another high-profile vacancy as Robert Kerr, the head of the Department of Health and Human Services, is also stepping down this week. His role has been pivotal in overseeing Medicaid and healthcare coverage for South Carolina’s most vulnerable children.

As South Carolina grapples with these pressing issues, residents and officials alike are acutely aware: the time to act is now. Changes are needed to ensure that children and families receive the care and support they rightly deserve.