PARENT'S RIGHTS NOW!

SHOULD SC DSS DIRECTOR BE FIRED FOR SC DSS FAILURES?

It has been suggested that Dr. Hayes should be removed from her post at SC DSS for the failure of SC DSS to prevent the alleged embezzlement scheme and for the failure to implement the Federally-mandated computerized child support collection and tracking system. However, while we believe that Dr. Hayes shares some of the blame with the Legislature for the State's failure to implement the computerized child support collection system, we are hesitant to place the responsibility for the embezzlement on the shoulders of either Dr. Hayes or Governor Sanford. These were not only systemic institutional failures, but banking failures as well. Note:

U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Walt Wilkins says Moore used his position as finance director to have 761 checks issued, from an account he had access to, to at least 250 different people. Those people would cash the checks, which averaged $7,000, keep anywhere from $700 to $1,500 of it for themselves and give the rest to Jonathon Moses, who is charged as Moore’s co-conspirator.

In short, there were many people, both in and out of government, who should have caught these problems long ago. However, it appears that safeguards were not built into the system and that this lack of safeguards predated Dr. Hayes' tenure.

To put this matter into perspective, consider what happened in the Sheriff's Office in Dorchester County. It is fair to ask how County Auditor Mary Pearson missed the fact that regular Toll Phone Account Deposits were not being made and to ask why Sheriff Nash had no idea how much was running through his accounts. However, it is also fair to ask how First Citizens Bank both overlooked the fact that a government account was set up by a low level employee and allowed someone other than either a head of an agency or political entity to withdraw money using an ATM Card.

Turning back to the issue of the computerized child support collection and tracking system, we reiterate that attention needs to be focused in getting this system up and running. Under the present Family Court System non-criminal behavior is criminalized, the powers of Contempt are both abused and squandered, precious court-time and limited jail space are wasted, and exorbitant "user" fees are accessed without rhyme or reason. Even then, only about one half (1/2) of the child support that is owed is collected. Additionally, every few years we see the appointment of another DSS Chief who does nothing to correct the problems because the problems are systemic and no one is working to fix the system. Still, while we believe that the Legislature is primarily responsible for the State's failure to implement the computerized child support collection system because it failed to exercise any oversight, we also think that Dr. Hayes should be removed from her post for her failure either to understand the importance of this system or to address the problem in the almost three year period she has held this position.