South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 114 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Article 33 - PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR ADULTS
Section 114-3330 - Determination of Need
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024
A. When complaints, reports, or requests are received by the county Department of Social Services, the agency shall investigate the circumstances complained of in order to determine whether the report is substantiated or unsubstantiated. The investigation process may include, but is not limited to, home visitation, interviews with neighbors, and review of medical or social service records.
B. A complaint will be deemed substantiated when the agency's investigation discloses evidence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Evidence may be directly observed by the investigator, or directly gathered from reliable sources.
C. If no supporting evidence of the allegation is revealed by agency investigation, the report shall be deemed unsubstantiated and protective services will not be supplied.
D. Law enforcement authorities shall be notified by the agency when an adult has been reported to have been abused, neglected, or exploited by another.
E. When a county Department of Social Services receives a report of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an individual residing in a hospital, institution, or a facility operated by the state, the report shall be referred to the State Law Enforcement Division, the State Ombudsman, or the Circuit Solicitor.
