On September 11, 2015, Evans Moore, on behalf of the guardian and grandmother of a seven year old child, filed suit in Florence County against the South Carolina Department of Social Service (“DSS”). The Complaint alleges the minor child, who was between the ages of three and four during the time period in question, was subjected to repeated physical and sexual assaults while under the care of the DSS.
The grandmother, and now legal guardian, contacted DSS on multiple occasions with concerns about the child’s safety and well-being. Specifically, she informed the DSS caseworkers assigned to the child’s case that he was living in filth, with no heat or running water, and with eight known drug abusers with drug convictions and/or pending drug charges in Florence County. Although DSS assured her that it had an active case file, the Complaint alleges that no attempts were made to investigate the situation or to remove the minor child from the abusive environment.
After multiple calls to DSS, Florence County Sheriff’s Department, and City of Florence Police Department, the minor’s case was assigned to a third caseworker who reassessed the allegations. It was determined in short order by the replacement caseworker that the minor child had been the victim of neglect, physical abuse, and sexual assault. The neglect, physical abuse, and sexual assault occurred between May of 2011 and August of 2011, the time period that the minor’s grandmother, and now guardian, was actively reporting the abuse to DSS and pleading for its intervention. The child was immediately removed from the household and has since been under the care of multiple medical providers and counselors. On July 9, 2012, the grandmother was granted custody of minor child by the Family Court for Florence County, South Carolina.
The attorneys of Evans Moore are proud to stand up and fight on behalf of those who are unable to defend themselves. If you would like more information on this case or if we can be of any assistance to you, please contact us at (843) 995-5000.