Allegations of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
In an emergency, please call 9-1-1!
Adults (Age 18 and over)
- If you suspect Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation of a person living in a BHDD OIDD Contracted Residential Setting, please contact the State Law Enforcement Division, Vulnerable Adult Investigations Unit at 1-866-200-6066 or SLED Vulnerable Adult Investigations Unit.
- For adults living in the community, please contact the Department of Social Service Adult Protective Services Division within your county office or DSS Adult Protective Services.
Children (Age 17 and younger)
- For children living in the community, please contact the Department of Social Services Child Protective Services Unit within your county office or DSS Child Well-Being Services.
- For Children living in a BHDD OIDD contracted residential setting, please contact the Department of Social Services Out of Home Abuse and Neglect (OHAN) Unit at 1-800-645-9789.
Case Managers have abuse reporting information to share with the people they support and their families.
BHDD OIDD employees and contracted provider staff must receive training annually on the prevention and reporting procedures for Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. A statewide, mandatory training curriculum has been established for providers. Curriculum information can be located under the Service Provider tab/ANE Training.
Additional Resources
- ANE Reporting Poster (PDF)
- SC Protection and Advocacy ANE Definitions and Warning Signs (PDF)
- SC Protection and Advocacy ANE Reporting Fact Sheet (PDF)
Reporting Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
South Carolina state law requires the reporting of any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The Child Protection Reform Act requires the reporting of any suspected abuse or neglect occurring to a child, age 17 and under. The Omnibus Adult Protection Act requires the reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, age 18 and above.
A Vulnerable Adult is defined as any person, age 18 and above, who has a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs the person from adequately providing for his/her own care or protection. A resident of a facility or a person, age 18 and above receiving services from BHDD OIDD or its contract provider agencies is a vulnerable adult.
The appropriate reporting agency is determined by the age of the victim, suspected perpetrator, and the location of the alleged incident.
When the Alleged Victim is a Child:When the abuse or neglect of a child is suspected, a report must be made to the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-888 CARE4US (1-888-227-3487). This telephone number may be used, regardless of the child’s living arrangements. |
When the Alleged Victim is an Adult:Residential Settings: For adults living in a BHDD OIDD Operated or Contracted Residential Setting, an allegation of Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation must be reported to the SLED Vulnerable Adult Investigations Unit (VAIU) at 1-866-200-6066. SLED VAIU will then decide how the incident/allegations will be investigated. Alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation to a vulnerable adult in any residential program operated by or contracted for operation by BHDD OIDD shall be reported to SLED’s toll-free number (1-866-200-6066) by the person who has actual knowledge, or reason to believe, that a vulnerable adult has been or is likely to be abused, neglected or exploited. Community Settings (including Day Services locations): For adults living in settings other than BHDD OIDD operated/contracted settings, allegations of ANE must be reported to DSS APS at 1-888-CARE4US. Allegations may also be reported to Local Law Enforcement. When the suspected abuse or neglect of an adult occurs in any location other than a residential setting operated or contracted for operation by BHDD OIDD, a report must be made to the DSS Abuse and Neglect Reporting Hotline. DSS operates a 24-hour Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-888 CARE4US (1-888-227-3487). |
When in Doubt, Report!
- ANE Reporting: Lessons Learned (PDF)
- Public Awareness ANE Reporting Flyer (PDF)
- Financial Exploitation Brochure (PDF)
- Reporting Abuse (PDF)
- Duty To Report (PDF)
- BHDD OIDD Directive 534-02-DD (PDF)
Additional Resources
BHDD OIDD has the following resources available to assist providers in training staff about the reporting requirements and for allegations of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation:
- Mandatory Reporting of Abuse and Neglect for Special Needs (Children)
- The Omnibus Adult Protection Act
- DSS Adult Protective Services: What, When and How to Report
- National Center on Elder Abuse Disability information:
- National Center on Elder Abuse: Abuse in Long-Term Care Information: