Note: This information does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with attorneys who are knowledgeable and experienced regarding specific applicability of these listed laws, based on their own circumstances.
South Carolina
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CHURCH GUIDELINES
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of South Carolina
Under South Carolina law, child abuse or neglect includes acts or omissions that harm or threaten a child’s physical or mental health or welfare. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, particularly when committed by a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare. Abuse may arise from acts or omissions that reasonably suggest the child’s health or safety is endangered.
(Source: South Carolina Legislature Section 63-7-20, Child Welfare Information Gateway)
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
South Carolina law expressly includes members of the clergy, including Christian Science practitioners and religious healers, and religious counselors (clerical or non-clerical who charge for services), among the mandated reporters. When, in their professional capacity, they receive information that gives them reasonable cause to believe a child has been or may be abused or neglected, they must report it. Clergy members must report except when information is received from the alleged perpetrator of the abuse and neglect during a communication that is protected by the clergy and penitent privilege.
(Source: South Carolina Legislature Section 63-7-420 (Exemption), Sections 63-7-310 (Persons required to report))
Mandatory Reporting Laws
South Carolina law does not mandate all people to report but does mandate certain professionals to report. However, South Carolina law does encourage all people to report if they have received information that gives them reason to believe that a child has been or will be abused or neglected.
Mandated reporters (including clergy) must immediately report suspected abuse or neglect based on reasonable belief, conclusive proof is not required. Reports should be made orally (by phone or otherwise) to either the county Department of Social Services (DSS) or a law enforcement agency in the county where the child resides or is found.
If the suspected perpetrator is not the child’s parent or guardian, the report should go to law enforcement.
Reports of suspected child death due to abuse or neglect must be made to the medical examiner or coroner. Failure to report when required is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to six months imprisonment, or both.
(Source: South Carolina Legislature Sections 63-7-310, Mandated Reporters)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
South Carolina’s statutory Definitions:
- Child abuse or neglect: when a parent or guardian inflicts or allows the infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child or engages in an act or omission that places the child in substantial risk of physical or mental injury (including excessive corporal punishment); commits or allows the commission of a sexual offense against a child or puts them at substantial risk through engaging in an act or omission, fails to supply adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, or supervision; abandons the child, encourages, condones, or approved the commission of delinquent acts, commits or allows the commission against a child female genital mutation or engages in acts or omissions that put the child at substantial risk. Or when a child is a victim of trafficking.
While the law does not mandate state-issued prevention programs specifically for churches, best practices and risk management strongly encourage faith communities to adopt child protection policies, screening, training for volunteers and staff, and internal procedures that support the statutory duty to report.
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
Under South Carolina law, school personnel — including teachers, principals, assistant principals, counselors, and school attendance officers — are mandated reporters when, in their professional capacity, they receive information that gives them reason to believe a child is or may be abused or neglected. This duty applies regardless of the reporter’s specific role; reporting to a school supervisor does not satisfy the individual duty to report to DSS or law enforcement.
(Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 63-7-310(A), (C).)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
School mandated reporters must make oral reports immediately to the county Department of Social Services or a law enforcement agency when they reasonably believe a child has been abused or neglected. Reports should not be routed only through administrative channels. The law encourages all persons (not just mandated reporters) to report. Training for school employees regarding how and when to report is available through DSS and other professional training programs. Failure to report as required is a misdemeanor with statutory penalties.
(Source: S.C. Code Ann. §§ 63-7-310, 63-7-410; DSS reporting information.)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
The statutory definitions of child abuse and neglect — including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and neglect — apply in school settings. Schools are expected to ensure that staff understand the signs of maltreatment and how to report suspected abuse promptly. While the statute does not prescribe specific prevention curricula for schools, many school districts implement training and child protection policies to meet professional practice standards and support compliance with reporting laws.
(Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 63-7-20; child welfare reporting resources.)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in South Carolina
Hotline & Reporting:
South Carolina operates a 24-hour Abuse & Neglect Hotline — 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487) — through the Department of Social Services for anyone to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters must make an immediate oral report to DSS or law enforcement when abuse or neglect is reasonably suspected.
Investigation & Services:
Reports are screened by DSS and/or law enforcement. DSS and law enforcement work jointly or separately to investigate, assess risk, and intervene to protect children. If a child is found to be endangered, DSS can provide services, safety planning, or arrange for removal and placement as necessary.
Immunity & Confidentiality:
Good-faith reporters are generally protected from civil or criminal liability. Confidentiality of the reporter’s identity and report content is maintained as required under state law and practice. False reporting with malicious intent may carry legal consequences, though specific statutory provisions for false reporting vary and are enforceable under broader South Carolina law.
Penalties:
Failure to report by a mandated reporter is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
(Source: S.C. Code Ann. §§ 63-7-310, 63-7-410; SCDSS reporting guidance.)
How to make a report in the state of South Carolina
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) 24/7 Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487) — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
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Emergency? Call 911 first.
Online Reporting (Optional for Non-Emergency):
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You may also submit a report online through the DSS Abuse and Neglect Reporting portal on the DSS website (accessible via “Report Abuse/Neglect Online”).
After Making the Call –
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DSS intake staff will assist you in providing necessary details and will screen the report to determine if an investigation is needed.
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If the allegation involves a crime or immediate safety risk, law enforcement may also be contacted by DSS or by you.
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A written follow-up may be requested, especially for mandated reporters or more complex situations.
Information to Provide (as known):
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Child’s name, age, and address or location
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Description of suspected abuse or neglect — what was seen, heard, or disclosed
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Names of parents/caregivers or persons responsible, if known
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Any immediate safety or medical concerns
Who Should Report / Legal Duty:
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Any person who suspects abuse or neglect should report. South Carolina law encourages all individuals to report suspected harm to a child.
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Mandated reporters (such as healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, law enforcement, childcare workers, clergy, and others) are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to DSS or local law enforcement.
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If the suspected perpetrator is someone other than a parent or caregiver, mandated reporters may be required to report directly to law enforcement.
Protections & Confidentiality:
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Reports made in good faith are protected; reporters acting without malicious intent are generally immune from civil or criminal liability under state law.
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You may request that your identity be kept confidential, though DSS may need contact info for follow-up.
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Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
In a world where child protection is paramount, ECAP is elevating child protection standards, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment in Christian ministries.
Every aspect of life adheres to specific standards – whether it be technology, education, finances, or industry practices.
In Jesus’ teachings, He imparted immense value to children, emphasizing the significance of their well-being. Reflecting on this profound truth, a compelling question emerges: Shouldn’t child protection be upheld to an even higher standard than these other areas, considering the blessing of children?
Join us in protecting the next generation
Take your child protection measures to the next level.
Join our national association of Christian ministries committed to child protection and abuse prevention.
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Information updated on 8.17.2025
