SC H3502

Legal representatives of the Department of Social Services must ensure child welfare and safety are the predominant basis of all department recommendations and decisions in abuse and neglect proceedings

DSS attorneys have sole discretion on behalf of the department to decide whether to file child abuse or neglect petitions in family court

The attorney acting as legal representative in a proceeding has sole discretion over decisions regarding pursuit, settlement, or appeal of pending actions

The bill has no fiscal impact on DSS or the Judicial Department, as it clarifies existing roles rather than creating new responsibilities