South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS)

Child & Family Services — State Child Welfare Agency in Columbia, South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Social Services investigates child abuse and neglect, provides foster care and adoption, and administers SNAP, TANF, and child support services through county DSS offices in all 46 South Carolina counties.

Phone: (803) 898-7601

Address: 1535 Confederate Avenue, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201

Website: https://dss.sc.gov

Languages: English, Spanish, additional languages via interpreter

Services offered: Child protective services, foster care, adoption, kinship care, SNAP, TANF, child support, adult protective services

Ages served: Birth–21

Good to know: State child welfare agency headquarters; local services delivered through county/regional offices.

Similar child & family services resources nearby

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia (SC) — Columbia, South Carolina
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (SC) — Columbia, South Carolina
• Child Welfare - South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline - South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina
• Communities In Schools of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina
• Easterseals South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina

See all Child & Family Services resources in South Carolina

Frequently asked questions about South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS)

How do I contact South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS)?

You can call South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) at (803) 898-7601 or visit 1535 Confederate Avenue in Columbia, South Carolina. Their website is https://dss.sc.gov.

What services does South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) offer?

South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) offers Child protective services, foster care, adoption, kinship care, SNAP, TANF, child support, adult protective services. Serves Birth–21. The South Carolina Department of Social Services investigates child abuse and neglect, provides foster care and adoption, and administers SNAP, TANF, and child support services through county DSS offices in all 46 South Carolina counties.

Are services at South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) free or low-cost?

Many community child & family services providers offer free, sliding-scale, or Medicaid-covered services. Call South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) at (803) 898-7601 to confirm pricing, accepted insurance, and any income requirements before your visit.

What languages does South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) support?

South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) reports providing services in: English, Spanish, additional languages via interpreter. If you need another language, ask about translation services or call 988 for free crisis support in English and Spanish.

Who is eligible for services at South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS)?

South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) reports serving Birth–21. Eligibility can also depend on income, residency, and the specific service needed — call (803) 898-7601 to confirm before visiting.

What if I'm in crisis right now?

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — for free, 24/7, confidential support. Veterans press 1; LGBTQ+ youth press 3.

In crisis? Call or text 988 for free, 24/7, confidential support. Veterans press 1. For immediate danger call 911.