National Citizens Review Panels Virtual Community

State:                    South Carolina
Contact Person:   Cheryl W. Worrell, MPA
Contact Address: The Center for Child and Family Studies, University of South Carolina
                              Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Contact Phone:    803-777-9404
Email:       WORRELLC@mailbox.sc.edu
URL:         http://sccrp.sc.edu/
Founded In: 1999

Funding: The SC Department of Social Services provides funding for CRP program coordination and research support through a contract with The Center for Child and Family Studies, College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina. The budget includes funding for meetings, panelists travel, national conference participation, and an annual fall retreat.

Brief Description: South Carolina has three all-volunteer Citizen Review Panels dedicated to reviewing the policies, procedures, and practices of the Child Protective Services system. These panels are located in the Lowcountry, Midlands and Upstate areas of the state and work both independently and collaboratively on child welfare issues. The panel utilizes a communicative involved approach with the state child welfare agency to resolve issues and concerns that impact the safety, well-being and permanence of abused and neglected children.

Sample of Current Work Projects/Focus:

Monitoring the implementation of revised DSS policies and practices regarding Out of Home Abuse and Neglect (OHAN). In 2011, the CRP worked closely with DSS to strengthen OHAN policies and practices.
Examining DSS policies for addressing the trauma experienced by abused and neglected children, and the secondary trauma that child welfare staff may experience.
Examining DSS practices for addressing the continued use of foster care parents who are terminated for cause by Child Placing Agencies (CPAs).
Examining DSS policies and practices that assist youth in achieving independent living skills.
Tracking DSS efforts to achieve permanency or permanent connections for foster youth.

Other: A DSS staff person attends CRP meetings and serves as a DSS liaison. In addition, the panel chairs and the coordinator meet bimonthly with the Deputy State Director and key child welfare staff to discuss current projects and agency initiatives.

CRP 2011 Annual Report final (pdf)

CRP 2010 Annual Report (pdf)

CRP 2009 Annual Report (pdf)

CRP Cover to Response to 2008 Report (pdf)

CRP DSS Response to 2008 Report 10-09 (pdf)

2008 Annual Report (pdf)

CRP Child Death Protocol (pdf )

Substance Exposed Infants and Plan of Safe Care (pdf)

CRP DSS Response to 2007 Report final (pdf)

2007 Annual Report (pdf)

2006 Response

2006 Annual Report