DSS process investigated

It remains unclear if state Department of Social Services workers followed procedures before the death of 4-month-old Ebony Smith on Feb. 15.

Officials said Wednesday that until their investigation is complete, details about the case and the reasons for returning the infant to her family after being removed from the home will remain closed.

"It's a slow deliberate process," said David Mincey, director of the Department of Social Services in Horry County. "We're looking at all facets of the case."

Ebony's father, Wesley K. Smith, 23, of 200 Rittenhouse Road, Apartment 22C, was arrested on charges of unlawful neglect of a child, a form of child abuse, remained jailed Wednesday at J. Reuben Long Detention Center on $80,000 bond.

Horry County police, who are conducting a criminal investigation into the baby's death, said more arrests and charges could result once their investigation is complete.

DSS investigators are reviewing records and gathering information about Ebony's death because she was placed in DSS custody in January.

The infant died after being rushed to Conway Medical Center in cardiac arrest. She had suffered various rib fractures, but an exact cause of death is pending final autopsy results. It is unclear when those will be available.

State officials are investigating whether Ebony was at risk for harm after local DSS officials removed her from her parents' home in December.

Smith admitted waiting weeks before taking Ebony to the hospital for a leg fracture in December. Neither parent was charged in the December incident.

However, DSS placed Ebony in protective custody in a foster home while social workers assessed what risk she might face if returned home.

The decision to return Ebony to her parents' home was approved by a Family Court judge, who made the decision based on a social worker's recommendation, DSS officials previously said.

"Our internal review process is continuing," said Virginia Williamson, DSS general counsel. Once the DSS investigation is complete, it will be in the hands of state director Kim S. Aydlette to release publicly, Williamson said.