I became engaged this past week in an issue that truly knows no party or political philosophy. The Senate was informed on Wednesday by Senator Joel Lourie that a subcommittee that he serves on has heard shocking and, frankly, sickening testimony about the negligence of the Department of Social Services that has led to the death of several children and the traumatizing of others. Senator Lourie informed us, moreover, that the director of DSS, Ms. Lillian Koller, refuses to come before the subcommittee and explain the failures of the agency. One documented story involves the death of a 4-year old little boy after 15 (FIFTEEN) complaints to DSS which chose not to intervene but referred the case to a “family strengthening” program. Another involved the removal of a child from the home of decorated Marine and cancer-stricken mother.
Sixty days later DSS returned the child and admitted to making a “mistake.” Senator Lourie called for the director’s resignation from the Senate floor, and I told him that day that he could “stand on my shoulders” and scream for her resignation. I asked Senator Lourie why Ms. Koller’s boss hadn’t fired her and if the subcommittee planned to talk to him. Senator Lourie informed me that Ms. Koller’s boss is none other than Nikki Haley who, according to press reports, stands fully behind Ms. Koller. I expect to have more for you in my next update, but for now I only can say that I’m disgusted.
I can’t believe this—-again~who protects the child or children????…I am glad you will continue to look into this, Shane.
This agency has been in headlong decline for about 10 years. Ask any school resource officer and they will tell you. All their experienced people left years ago due to budget cuts, etc. and all they have now are neophytes.
Please continue to work on this issue. The welfare of the children in our state is so important and a matter of life or death. I work in an elementary school, and the relationship with DSS often depends of which social worker answers the telephone: sometimes they are very helpful, and sometimes, it can be so frustrating when we feel like a child is not getting helped. I do think they all want to help children but sometimes all of the “red tape'” prevents them.Thank you for realizing the urgency of this.
I will scream with you Shane. It is a shame the way these children are treated, and have seen firsthand how DSS works, as a friend of Lauren’s had been in the system many times within the past 7 years, and the problems with this child’s mother was due to negligence and abuse, and still the court wanted to favor the mother. I will do anything I can.