Mandated Reporter Academy
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How to Report

South Carolina (SC)

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Who is required to report?

Citation: Ann. Code § 63-7-310

The following professionals are required to report:

  • Physicians, nurses, dentists, optometrists, medical examiners, or coroners
  • Employees of county medical examiner's or coroner's offices
  • Any other medical, emergency medical services, mental health, or allied health professionals
  • Members of the clergy, including Christian Science practitioners or religious healers
  • Clerical or nonclerical religious counselors who charge for services
  • School teachers, counselors, principals, assistant principals, or school attendance officers
  • Social or public assistance workers, substance abuse treatment staff, or child care workers in a child care center or foster care facility
  • Foster parents
  • Police or law enforcement officers or juvenile justice workers
  • Undertakers, funeral home directors, or employees of a funeral home
  • Persons responsible for processing films or computer technicians
  • Judges
  • Volunteer nonattorney guardians ad litem serving on behalf of the South Carolina Guardian Ad Litem Program or the Richland County Court-Appointed Special Advocates program

When is a report required?

Citation: Ann. Code § 63-7-310

A mandated reporter shall report to the Department of Social Services or a law enforcement agency when the reporter has reason to believe that a child may have been abused or neglected. The report is made to a law enforcement agency when abuse is committed by someone other than a person responsible for the child's welfare.

Reports may be made orally by telephone or otherwise to the county Department of Social Services or to a law enforcement agency in the county where the child resides or is found.

What information should the report include?

Not specified in statute.

Failure to report

Citation: Ann. Code § 63-7-410

Any mandatory reporter or any person required to perform any other function under the reporting laws who knowingly fails to do so, or a person who threatens or attempts to intimidate a witness, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both.