SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD ABUSE
RESPONSE PROTOCOL

South Carolina Mandated Reporters

"South Carolina law requires that certain professionals report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, because they have unique opportunities to observe and interact with children. The following professionals are mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect:

• Healthcare professionals: physicians, nurses, dentists, optometrists, medical examiners or coroners or their employees, emergency medical services, mental health or allied health professionals

• Educational professionals: teachers, counselors, principals, school attendance officers

• Social or public assistance professionals: substance abuse treatment staff, childcare workers, foster parents

• Legal professionals: police or law enforcement officers, juvenile justice workers, volunteer non-attorney guardians ad litem serving on behalf of the South Carolina Guardian ad Litem program or on behalf of Richland County CASA, judges

• Undertakers, funeral home directors, or their employees

• Film processors

• Computer technicians

• Clergy, including Christian Science Practitioners or religious healers (subject to laws governing privileged communication)"

    ~ S.C. Dept. of Social Services