The department shall conduct within twenty-four hours after the child is taken into emergency protective custody by law enforcement or pursuant to ex parte order a preliminary investigation to determine whether grounds for assuming legal custody of the child exist and whether reasonable means exist for avoiding removal of the child from the home of the parent or guardian or for placement of the child with a relative and means for minimizing the emotional impact on the child of separation from the child's home and family. During this time the department, if possible, shall convene, a meeting with the child's parents or guardian, extended family, and other relevant persons to discuss the family's problems that led to intervention and possible corrective actions, including placement of the child.
S.C. Code Ann. § 63-7-640
Preliminary investigation
Known as the South Carolina Children's Code
The act spans §§ 63–63 (451 sections).
Applied in 2 court decisions — leading case South Carolina Department of Social Services v. Randy S. (2010)
Most recently applied in Jobst v. Jobst (June 2018)
2008 Act No. 361, SECTION 2.
Official source: South Carolina Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain South Carolina statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.