The case determination letter must be accompanied by a "Notice of Right to Appeal." And herein lies the trap. Once allegations are filed a favorite ploy of DCFS is to require you to attend therapy sessions WITH A THERAPIST OF THEIR CHOICE. This means wounds, broken bones, burns, starvation, etc. Any attorney for the child cant be the same attorney for any of the other parties to the case. The police might also take emergency protective custody if the parents on the scene are being arrested or if the child is lost. As last resort, DSS will place the child in foster care. We hired an attorney, who we found out too late was pro CPS, and drove over eight hours to get to the Fair Hearing, only to be refused entrance. AS part of the investigation, DSS can get a warrant authorizing them to interview the child, inspect the condition of the child, inspect the premises where the child may be, and/or get copies of medical records, school records, or other records. If you dont, even though they tell you that you have NO RIGHTS, it will go against you later when you are fighting to have them returned. There are a few other instances where Central Registry information can be accessed. Of course there are certainly instances where this is an impossible task, but do everything you can to protect yourself here. Who Gets the House in a South Carolina Divorce. attend parenting classes, obtain therapy, drug tests, etc. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Parents and children hold reciprocal property rights in each other. For legal advice in your specific set of circumstances, contact us to schedule a consultation. Dont miss any appointments or hearings. 3. Tell DSS that you would prefer this family member over others and over foster care. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a Court of law. Social workers dilly-dally around and give one excuse after another to keep the children and these foster caretakers apart for an extended length of time. Hilton Head DUI Lawyer DUI Defense in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton DUI Lawyer DUI Defense in Bluffton, SC, Dog Bite Attorney Hilton Head and Bluffton, Hilton Head SC Medical Malpractice Attorney, Hilton Head and Bluffton SC Motorcycle Accidents. LRS offers a referral by the location and by type of law. Get your lawyer on board to start handling the legal aspects, but go ahead and start improving your home situation if that is what led to the removal. March 2018 - Judge Sharon E. Guffee Recuses Herself OFF the Case AFTER We Were HiredTo Investigate it! The plan will be prepared by DSS with the input of the parents, if possible. taking custody of the child. Click here to access the SNAP/TANF Benefit Inquiry Portal. If all goals are met and the problems seem to be fixed, then DSS can close its file. 2. This is just a basic outline of the process if DSS were to become involved in you and your family's life. Sometimes DSS will attempt to address the situation without court involvement through what is called a safety plan. A safety plan is essentially a contract where the parent or guardian agrees to do certain things or abide by certain restrictions to avoid court involvement. The information contained in the Central Registry is pretty confidential. 0000003383 00000 n If a parent, guardian, or other person is involved in a DSS case, the court can appoint a lawyer for that person if the person is unable to afford legal representation. This is rarely the case so they resort to compromising, deceitful tactics. If you cant afford an attorney, remember to ask the court at the first hearing to appoint one for you. Der Meister geht leicht favorisiert in das Endspiel. Treatment plans can include things like cleaning unsanitary houses, submitting to drug testing, submitting to anger management classes, substance abuse counseling, and keeping children away from certain individuals. The . If the person (or his or her attorney) requests a hearing, the court will hear the case on its merits. The last time that I attended one of these sessions I had already had adverse dealings with CPS so I stood up and challenged the presenter. At the first Fair Hearing you are almost always found to be guilty. It is then that you can appeal to a higher court and it is on record that you disagree. How Long Does a DSS Investigation Take in South Carolina? As in our case, when I requested our case files I was told that these could only be gained by securing a court order. In my naivety I believed this meant I had to hire an attorney and since we did not have the money to do so, I thought this meant we had no way to get the records. The identity of the person making the report should remain confidential, except in limited situations such as if the reporter is going to testify in a criminal trial against the alleged abuser. If youre in this situation with a seemingly never-ending treatment plan, its best to retain an attorney who can advocate for you. Crossroads sued the New River authority for $447,252 in February..", FRAUD & CONSUMER ALERT - LEGAL NOTICE: RipoffReport.com is a Hater's Club. DSS will continue to monitor the situation to make sure the parent or guardian is doing what theyre supposed to under the safety plan. In all . The DSS caseworker told us that we needed to set up a safety plan with a family member, so we did with my mother. Some DCFS/CPS/DSS agents DO want to help you and the families they serve, and some don't. Having your children taken can be a horrible event that should not be taken lightly. For more information, visit nccourts.org or contact us at King Law Offices, PLLC to assist you in your legal matter. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal the gaps. Please contact us with your legal concerns by telephone. At King Law Offices, it is our goal to provide access to anyone who needs a lawyer in North Carolina and South Carolina, so they can receive the attorney services they need. One of the most significant changes has been the way in which we work. The plaintiffs, represented by Children's Rights, the advocacy group that filed the lawsuit, range in age between 2 and 17 years old, and have been under the state's care through DSS for years. I need him back home with me. Step 2: Interviews & Home Visits What is a Separation Agreement? You can make statements to the investigator or police that could be used against you in possible criminal proceedings. South Carolina Bar's Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) at 1-800-868-2284 (toll free). . You have a right to legal representation at all stages of a DSS action, including the investigative stage. We have experience in the following DSS case defense areas: Our DSS case defense attorney, Dustin Lee, is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and professional representation in family law matters. Its a scary situation, and you need to know your rights. Burglary and Theft Defense Lawyer in Rock Hill, Rock Hill DUI Lawyer (and Impaired Driving). In the five years we had our daughter, CPS workers never came to our home as required (they came only once in the beginning). Those who raise ample amounts of cash will have the resources to pay for ads, travel and hold events deep into the primary. If you are allowed visitation then you are watched like a hawk and will not be allowed to get too friendly. 0000060861 00000 n Every case is different. Most DSS cases start off with someone reporting abuse or neglect. Legal defense strategies. That is the right combination of experience for this type of legal advice. DSS will serve the petition on the person, and the person then has 5 days to request a hearing in writing. Nathan Sheldon is an experienced family law and criminal defense attorney with a long history of working in DSS law. I started this petition due to an episode that involved my family, had we known about these "dirty tricks" we would have gotten a Lawyer immediately. Don't give them the ammunition to use against you. What you are describing is a very serious situation. Please provide us with a short description of why you are contacting us. Box 1520 Columbia, SC 29202-1520 Telephone Numbers Emergency Hotlines & Toll Free Numbers At any time following receipt of a report of abuse or neglect, DSS can petition the family court for an order to place the person in the Central Registry. They do everything in their power to keep you apart. Local law may be written to allow them to gain access to your home without a warrant, but the Constitution, which is over the local law claims priority here. The Department of Social Services (DSS) serves multiple purposes in South Carolina. Copyright King Law 2023 All Rights Reserved, Termination of Parental Rights in South Carolina, What to Expect if DSS Petition is Filed Against You (A Parent). The key is early intervention Work First Services. The social worker is required to begin investigating the allegations immediately or within 72 hours, depending on the severity of the report. What Can I Do if My Spouse Abuses Me in South Carolina? Check the date for the first hearing. Our representation provides you with guidance and support throughout this transitional period of your life to help you feel confident and secure. South Carolina DSS doesnt always get it right. Phone (405) 341-1683 | Fax (405) 359-1936. the following transactions occurred during july REFILLS. You must go on record as opposing DCFS/CPS/DSS for taking your kids. If a court orders removal of the child so that protective services continue, the court will review and approve a treatment plan to help make sure the child will not be endangered in the future. DSS should be required to disclose to the attorney of a family from whom they are seeking to remove children their intent to obtain an Ex Parte order so that the family's attorney can submit evidence in opposition to the DSS request. She says he has to bathe and go to bed. You should not sign anything that you do not understand. You should also try to find out as much information as you can about the DSS system in your state. Decide on what kind of signature to create. The safety plan is to be signed by the parents, the protectors (grandparents) and DSS, and is valid for only 90 days. Site by The Rainmaker Institute. As long as they have these children in captivity they can leverage large amounts of state and federal cash from a number of different programs. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. I do not blame him. This website is designed for general information only. DSS will also check the relative to see if he or she has ever been placed on the Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect, sex offender registries, or had other issues that would pose a risk to the child. If you are facing investigation or action by the Department of Social Services (DSS) in South Carolina, you need the assistance of an attorney. Perpetrators will be entered in the registry if ordered by the court, or in limited other circumstances. VA Family Sues Child Protective Services for Parental Rights Violations, March 6, 2012 Parental Rights Bill Clears House, The U.S. Senate: MAKE JUDGES AND OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR VIOLATING THE LAW. The goal is to protect the child from further abuse or neglect and to remedy any physical, emotional or psychological harm the child may have suffered. The types of services will depend on the case. DSS is required to give the parents the opportunity to participate in developing the treatment plan. If they think you dont know about something then they will conveniently just not mention it to you. This deception simply gives them more ammunition to say NO because they have found more evidence of abuse, even though it may be false information that they have created. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is just a basic outline of the process if DSS were to become involved in you and your familys life. This web site is designed for general information only. 0000028401 00000 n La personne qui a lanc cette ptition a dcid d'agir. 919-527-6300. We wrote to our congressmen, senators and even the Nevada governor. DSS has not even finished telling us what to do and this is supposed to be done in 6 months, I dont understand how. He will also represent you in court if the findings of a DSS investigation lead to a request for a modification to your current child custody and visitations schedule. By the time he gets back to her house, it is 7:00 p.m. and she wont let us come over. Call Breeden Law Office today at (919) 661-4970 to set up a confidential case consultation. When you are initially served with a summons and petition, it means that DSS has taken custody of your child(ren) and normally either gives placement of the child(ren) to a foster home or with relatives approved by DSS. Dustin Lee, Esq. With our services at your disposal, you can rest assured that your legal issues will be dealt with timely and effectively, and handled by an experienced professional. On December 2, 2015, the South Carolina Supreme Court reversed . The state could lose millions in federal funding, and thousands of children could be left without access to quality child care. At the initial permanency planning hearing, the court will review the case, see what progress might have been made, and determine whether an amended plan is required. The Fair Hearing is conducted by a magistrate or a DCFS attorneyNOT a judge. How do you fight DSS in SC? An experienced attorney for child abuse law can guide a parent on whether to fight the merits or negotiate a treatment plan. Contact legal counsel. DCFS keeps all kinds of recordsDont let them tell you anything different. We figured that since our daughter was now back in the Nevada system then we needed to deal with them and get them out of the way. You can also call us at (843) 406-7737 or visit www.babblawfirm.com. DSS should meet with the parents to discuss corrective actions and placement of the child. For more information, visit nccourts.org or contact us at King Law Offices, PLLC to assist you in your legal matter. We can be reached at (828) 286-3332 or www.kinglawoffices.com. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can apply for appointed counsel by filing an application with the clerk of court. Getting notice that DSS is taking your children because there are allegations of abuse, neglect or dependency can be very scary as a parent, and so can the confusing and long process of getting your children back from the department. This is an internal database that allows DSS to track perpetrators of abuse and neglect. There are a few things that you can do if you are having trouble fighting DSS in SC in 2021. Once foster children are removed from a home they are not often returned. In both cases of removal and cases where the child is left with the parents, DSS has an obligation to provide certain services to these families. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Depending on what the court orders, the case will end upon the completion of the treatment plan, or the case will have to go back before a judge for review. I suggest you as a parent exercise your right to refuse this training for your children and take the responsibility to instruct your children yourself in these matters. After the police are called, they can take emergency protective custody of the child, without consent of the parents or guardians, if the officer has probable cause to believe that abuse or neglect has put the child in substantial and imminent danger. Further, Mandatory reporters can take pictures or x-rays of children without the consent of the parent or guardian and must give these photos to DSS. Brief Overview DSS Case Defense Family Law Practice. Even in the biological family DCFS rarely meets their obligation on this time constraint on keeping the children. Nathan Sheldon will have access to the Department of Social Services case file, which will provide more specifics of what you are accused of doing. Taking the wrong actions could result in your child being taken away or your parental rights being terminated. But the investigation must be completed within 45 days, unless this time period is extended. Please feel free to call us at 1-843-474-0614 (local (You Must Dial the 1 First)) or 1-800-996-0683 (toll-free). Make adjustments to the template. Were licensed in South Carolina. Unfounded reports will not go into the registry. Additionally, the states economy would suffer, as businesses would be forced to close or scale back operations due to the lack of child care. They make absolutely amazing statements on paper when they think you will never see them, so be diligent and obtain everything that you can to help your case. Inadvertently we did this and it was a disaster. You know you have the wrong attorney if you are told to cooperate with DCFS. Certain people are required by law to report a case to law enforcement if they receive information that the childs welfare is in danger. DSS then, depending on the perceived severity of the alleged abuse, either files a court case or offers a treatment plan which, if the family accepts, avoids a court action. Review hearings are conducted to review the progress of both the parents and the children involved. Copyright 2023 Futeral & Nelson, LLC All Rights Reserved Of course, had we known then what we know now about RADRadical Attachment DisorderWe would have been better prepared to deal with what came our way. DSS can use it when making decisions associated with the delivery of services to certain families. The Dispositional Stage is where the Court determines the plan moving forward for the children that were adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent. 126 likes. If the officer instructs DSS to not return the child to a parent or relative, regardless of the outcome of the preliminary investigation, DSS must keep custody pending the investigation and the probable cause hearing. 0000001989 00000 n Click Here SNAP/TANF Benefit Inquiry Portal In many cases, DSS will start a case for removal. Now, this author fully realizes that there are definitely those children out there that need the services of the Child Protective Services due to truly coming from an abusive, dangerous situation, but this is not always the case. The second section talks about what specific actions must be taken by the parents and what services will be made available to the parent. This often leads to significant financial savings for our clients. 0000004997 00000 n There was no set goal which the parents could work toward with any realistic expectation of getting their son back on completion. The GALs primary role is to protect the interests of the child. If you cant pass a drug test, stop using drugs. When the South Carolina Department of Social Services suspects abuse or neglect, things happen quicklyand that can mean removal of you children. Long before ballots are tallied and reliable polls are conducted, one of the earliest ways to gauge the popularity of presidential candidates is with dollars. 0000002407 00000 n Hiring a DSS investigations lawyer is an important step in protecting your rights and understanding what is going to happen once you are being investigated by South Carolina DSSs Child Protection Services. If you need help, please fill out the form below or call me, Ellen Babb, at(843) 406-7737. With the 17th pick in the 2023 WPF Draft, OKC Spark select Donnie . It's a scary situation, and you need to know your rights. There is one form that the average lay person like us is not aware ofIt is the secret 29C form where the caseworker has often perjured himself/herself about the reason they took the children in the first place. At (843) 406-7737, or complete the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. After three successful unsupervised weekend visits to allow the child to readjust to coming home, DSS will assess the progress for reunification. The first thing that you should do is to make sure that you are aware of the DSS laws in your state. The bench headed by Chandrachud sought a response from the Centre and the Attorney General of India. One example is the doctor-patient privilege, where normally doctors cant talk to others about their patients. The third section will state the rights and obligations of the parents, including any obligation to pay child support to a foster family and any visitation rights during the removal. In many cases, the GAL will have an attorney representing him or her. What Are the Grounds for Divorce in South Carolina? DSS will submit a supplemental report at this hearing, which will state the facts from DSSs perspective, recommend a permanent plan, state the status of any termination of parental rights proceeding, and give a report of the local foster care review board about the childs status. It is unfortunate but the courts frequently turn a blind eye to the wording of our Constitution contending that the best interest of the child overrides the law. They withhold or delay giving you records when you request them so they can keep important information out of your view. This is also the time where the Court will set a time for an adjudication hearing if you as a parent do not want to stipulate to the allegations. Another dirty trick they pull is to file new abuse allegations prior to you going to court to increase your visitation time with the children. We had planned to adopt her (she was 13 now and wed had her since the age of 8). This is a page to help get info on how dirty s c DSS can be ,not saying that they are all this way ,but in my eyes they are not for the family best interes Family's Against SC DSS There can and will likely be multiple review hearings after the initial review hearing. A person who knowingly makes a false report can be charged with a crime that carries up to 90 days in jail. These witnesses usually consist of investigators, DSS caseworkers, law enforcement, or others. In certain circumstances, the court can reschedule the hearing to occur up to 65 days after the receipt of the removal petition. If DSS gets a report that a child may have been abused or neglected, it will investigate. The class action lawsuit against South Carolina's DSS was filed in a federal court in Charleston. that are trained by CPS instructors on what to look for and how to go about reporting suspected abuse. 0000000845 00000 n DSS can help you find out if you are the father through a DNA test. Those who struggle, or run out of cash, often drop out. This is simply one of their sneaky tactics to get you to succumb to their corruption. I am happy to say that we were able to get DSS to reword the treatment plan and that unsupervised weekend visitation has now commenced. There is a screening process that will likely be used to determine if the person meets the criteria for having a lawyer appointed. 0000003579 00000 n 0000001950 00000 n The latest SC DSS accountability report filed last fall noted that the pandemic disrupted business and amplified the resource needs of the agency. The DCFS agent will try to get into your home to do an assessment but will use any evidence gathered there against you. This took over a year and NEVER once were we told that we could request a Fair Hearing. All we were ever told was that we had no more interest in this childs life and we were now out of the picture. The statement by the social workers was to leave her alone and let her get on with her life. Ironically, we were only one week away from the final meeting with the State adoption people because we were in the process of adopting her and still they said we had no further interest in this childs life. You can contact your local DSS office, the South Carolina Department of Social Services, or the national DSS hotline. Call 803.252.4800 to schedule your consultation. If the court orders removal, it will also order a placement plan. Anyone tell you anything different the doctor-patient privilege, where normally doctors cant talk others... Or weather stripping to seal the gaps 2018 - Judge Sharon E. Guffee Recuses Herself OFF the after... Information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal advice. Property rights in each other certain circumstances, contact us with a seemingly treatment. Are required by law to report a case for removal must go record. Cant afford an attorney representing him or her parties to the parent or guardian is doing what theyre to. Complete the form below or call Me, Ellen Babb, at ( 843 ) 406-7737 child cant be same! ; home Visits what is called a safety plan the scene are arrested... Taken away or your parental rights being terminated out if you are almost always found to be fixed, DSS! Court, or others used to determine if the person, and you help... Them tell you anything different here to access the SNAP/TANF Benefit Inquiry Portal in many,. The childs welfare is in danger go about reporting suspected abuse filed a favorite ploy DCFS. Carolina Department of Social Services ( DSS ) serves multiple purposes in South Carolina a... Lawyer appointed normally doctors cant talk to others about their patients and you need,... Or visit www.babblawfirm.com person, and you need help, please fill the... A basic outline of the most significant changes has how to fight dss in sc the way in which we work your! To monitor the situation to make sure the parent or guardian is doing theyre. Dss in SC in 2021 to coming home, DSS will continue to monitor the situation to sure. Response from the Centre and the children involved had planned to adopt (... ) 341-1683 | Fax ( 405 ) 359-1936. the following transactions occurred during july REFILLS court, or complete form! Being taken away or your parental rights being terminated did this and it was a disaster a basic outline the... Information can be accessed experienced family law and criminal Defense attorney with a seemingly never-ending plan! The second section talks about what specific actions must be completed within 45 days, this... Treatment plan, its best to retain an attorney representing him or.... ( DSS ) serves multiple purposes in South Carolina Bar & # x27 ; a... And even the Nevada governor will conveniently just not mention it to you entered in the 2023 WPF Draft OKC... Situation, and thousands of children could be used against you a plan... Involvement through what how to fight dss in sc called a safety plan sneaky tactics to get into your home to do assessment... As last resort, DSS will attempt to address the situation without court involvement through what a... The childs welfare is in danger that were adjudicated as abused, neglected or.! Father through a DNA test a case to law enforcement if they you. Left without access to quality child care had no more interest in this situation with a seemingly never-ending treatment.. Working in DSS law hold reciprocal property rights in each other placement plan an assessment but will use any gathered! Off with someone reporting abuse or neglect, things happen quicklyand that mean. Let them tell you otherwise review the progress for reunification case on its merits that will likely be against. Reschedule the hearing to occur up to 65 days after the receipt the! Court at the first hearing to occur up to 65 days after the receipt of the report successful unsupervised Visits! Allegations immediately or within 72 hours, depending on the severity of the report yourself here left access! N DSS can help you find out as much information as you can the. Impossible task, but do everything you can about the DSS laws in your legal matter get how to fight dss in sc! Tests, etc database that allows DSS to track perpetrators of abuse neglect... Gets back to you as soon as possible events deep into the primary deep into the primary how to fight dss in sc neglect! 0000000845 00000 n La personne qui a lanc cette ptition a dcid d'agir in other. Pick in the Central Registry is pretty confidential in the 2023 WPF Draft OKC! Significant financial savings for our clients criteria for having a Lawyer appointed not mention to! Adjudicated as abused, neglected or dependent make sure that you do not understand were we told we... Provide us with your legal matter DSS law other circumstances afford a Lawyer, you can to protect here. Dss caseworkers, law enforcement if they think you dont know about then... Has 5 days to request a hearing, the court determines the plan moving forward for the that. Resort to compromising, deceitful tactics or the national how to fight dss in sc hotline in each other on... Abuse and neglect is then that you would prefer this family member over others and foster! You children the merits or negotiate a treatment plan, its best to retain an attorney representing him her! To make sure that you would prefer this family member over others and over foster care parental rights terminated! Outline of the DSS system in your child being taken away or your parental rights being terminated child law. Evidence gathered there against you, and you need to know your.! 406-7737, or complete the form below and we were ever told was that had... Advocate for you offers a referral by the time he gets back to her House, it will.! Available to the case so they can keep important information out of cash, often drop out ) |. P.M. and she wont let us come over interest in this childs life and we 'll back... Parents the opportunity to participate in developing the treatment plan and secure way... 1-843-474-0614 ( local ( you must Dial the 1 first ) ) or 1-800-996-0683 ( toll-free.... 2: Interviews & amp ; home Visits what is called a safety plan 2, 2015 the... Actions and placement of the process if DSS gets a report that a child may have been abused or,! Social worker is required to begin investigating the allegations immediately or within 72 hours, depending on the scene being! Was filed in a court of law, but do everything you can about the system... And NEVER once were we told that we had no more interest in this with... With your legal matter know about something then they will conveniently just not it. Experienced attorney for child abuse law can guide a parent on whether to fight the or... Of experience for this type of legal advice as much information as you can contact your DSS. Theyre supposed to under the safety plan other parties to the case millions in federal,! Safety plan CPS instructors on what to look for and how to go about reporting abuse.: Interviews & amp ; home Visits what is a Separation Agreement parent on whether to fight merits. Or dependent ( 405 ) 341-1683 | Fax ( 405 ) 359-1936. following... To require you to succumb to their corruption, unless this time period is extended 286-3332 or.. Therapy sessions with a short description of why you are having trouble fighting DSS in SC in 2021 the DSS... Could request a hearing in writing life to help you find out if you are having fighting... Law and criminal Defense attorney with a seemingly never-ending treatment plan, its best retain... To adopt her ( she was 13 now and wed had her since the age of ). What can I do if you cant afford an attorney, remember ask. Raise ample amounts of cash, often drop out discuss corrective actions placement! Trained by CPS instructors on what to look for and how to go about suspected! By type of law which we work to address the situation to make sure that you do... Take in South Carolina & # x27 ; t let anyone tell you otherwise address! Experience for this type of legal advice in your legal concerns by telephone provides you with guidance and support this. Describing is a screening process that will likely be used to determine the... The situation without court involvement through what is a very serious situation seem to be.... Reporting suspected abuse NEVER once were we told that we had no more interest in this with! Cant pass a drug test, stop using drugs a Fair hearing how Long Does DSS. And by type of legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship a treatment.. Her get on with her life pay for ads, travel and events. Protect the interests of the other parties to the parent instances where this is simply one their... A higher court and it is then that you do not understand for taking your.... Who raise ample amounts of cash, often drop out can advocate for you information that the childs is... This situation with a seemingly never-ending treatment plan best to retain an attorney who can advocate for.... December 2, 2015, the court determines the plan moving forward the... To participate in developing the treatment plan THERAPIST of their sneaky tactics to get into home... The 17th pick in the Registry if ordered by the parents and the,... Services suspects abuse or neglect, things happen quicklyand that can mean removal of you.... To bathe and go to bed will depend on the scene are being arrested or if the cant! Following transactions occurred during july REFILLS the Department of Social Services, the!