Who Has To Report It
S.C. Code 63-7-310 and S.C. Code 63-7-410 — the professionals who must report child abuse or neglect, and up to six months for knowingly not
Doctors, nurses, dentists and other health and mental health professionals, clergy and paid religious counselors, teachers, counselors and principals, social workers, childcare workers and foster parents, police officers, juvenile justice workers, funeral home staff, film processors, computer technicians, judges and volunteer guardians ad litem must report when, in their professional capacity, they receive information giving reason to believe a child has been or may be abused or neglected.
Telling a supervisor is not enough. A required reporter who tells a supervisor or the person in charge of an institution, school or agency still has an individual duty to report, and an internal investigation does not replace it.
Where the reporter believes the harm came from someone other than a parent, guardian or other person responsible for the child, the report goes to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Anyone else who has reason to believe a child has been harmed by abuse or neglect may report, and is encouraged to.
Up to $500 or six months. A required reporter who knowingly fails to report, or a person who threatens or tries to intimidate a witness, commits a misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500 or up to six months, or both.
What counts as abuse or neglect is defined elsewhere in the children's code. A particular situation is a question for the county department of social services or a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- S.C. Code 63-7-310 — Persons required to report
- S.C. Code 63-7-410 — Failure to report; penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.