Please file.

Hal Peters

Policy Analyst

Office of Governor Nikki R. Haley

T 803.734.4062

F 803.734.8051

halpeters@gov.sc.gov

From: Bryant, Pam [mailto:Pam.Bryant@dss.sc.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 11:33 AM
To: Adam, Ryan
Cc: Peters, Hal; Wingo, Karen; Matheus, Marilyn
Subject: FW: Andrew Otto

Hello Ryan,

This email is sent to advise that Mr. Andrew Otto’s comments/inquiry were received by the Office of Constituent Services and we have responded. Because of the sensitive nature of this matter and our expectation for additional inquiries, I have copied below, for your information, what will be our standard response.

Thank you so much for forwarding this and any future communications to us.

Have a pleasant day.

SCDSS Response on Headley Inquiries: This communication acknowledges receipt of your recent correspondence to the South Carolina Office of the Governor. Please be aware that the SC Department of Social Services Office of Constituent Services is responsible for reviewing, researching and coordinating communication among all parties involved in an inquiry about SCDSS. We appreciate your concern for the children/family referenced in your inquiry. SCDSS is aware of and takes seriously the concerns and allegations raised by and on behalf of children and families; however, due to confidentiality laws, SCDSS cannot comment specifically.

Thank you for your interest and time.

Pam Bryant

Agency Ombudsman

SC Department of Social Services

Office of the State Director

PO Box 1520

1535 Confederate Avenue

Columbia, South Carolina 29202

pam.bryant@dss.sc.gov

Office: 803.898.1512

Fax: 803.898.7277

DSS Logo Auto Signature

Do not use this email to make a report of abuse or neglect. To make a report of abuse or neglect, please call your local DSS office or law enforcement immediately.

Privacy Notice: This message may contain information that is protected from disclosure by federal and/or state law, or is otherwise privileged or confidential. This communication is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited and violations of applicable federal and/or state law may subject you to civil and/or criminal penalties. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and delete this message.

From: Adam, Ryan [mailto:RyanAdam@gov.sc.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, March 9, 2016 9:47 AM
To: Matheus, Marilyn <Marilyn.Matheus@dss.sc.gov>
Cc: Peters, Hal <HalPeters@gov.sc.gov>
Subject: Andrew Otto

Ms. Matheus,

I hope you’ve had a nice week so far.

We recently received the following message regarding DSS issues, so I am referring the matter on to you for response.

Thank you as always,

Ryan Adam

Office of the Governor

803.734.2100

RyanAdam@gov.sc.gov

From: "governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com" <governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com>

Date: 3/8/2016 12:00:13 PM

To: "governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com" <governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com>

Cc:

Subject: DSS and Children's Home

<APP>CUSTOM

<FIRST>Andrew</FIRST>

<TITLE>Physician Assistant - Certified</TITLE>

<ORGANIZATION>Shriners Hospital for Children</ORGANIZATION>

<ADDR1>950 West Faris Road</ADDR1>

<CITY>Greenville</CITY>

<EMAIL>ottofam3@yahoo.com</EMAIL>

<PHONE_H>864-991-1189</PHONE_H>

<PHONE_B>864-271-3444</PHONE_B>

<SUBJECT>DSS and Children's Home</SUBJECT>

<MSG>

The present process involving DSS and Children's "Homes" is absolutely unacceptable in this state. The layers of incompetence and lack of actual safety for the children forced into the "system" controlled by the Federal and Local government is horrific. The recent case involving the Headley family, where they were falsely accused and had their children forcibly taken into government custody, reflects NASI Germany. Then to have their eldest son sodomized in Epworth Children's Home, in Columbia, after being placed with children who have become violent predators, is beyond negligent, it is criminal. A formal investigation and revamping of the "system", which is supposed to protect children, must be performed. This occurred on your watch. Will we all have to give an account of our actions in judgment, one day? Make this a priority.

</MSG>

</APP>