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Do you have a complaint regarding services being provided to a child by a state agency? Please submit your complaint to the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy by phone (1-800-206-1957) or via the electronic submission form.

Children and Family Services Provides:

  • Family Training/Special Instruction
  • Service Coordination

Child Find Eligibility 

Child Find is a national requirement, outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It states that local school districts and education agencies must identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities, ages 3 to 21.

This is a very important tool for parents, teachers, health care providers, public and private schools and other stakeholders, as it allows these parties to refer children to free services, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for Child Find. These services include specialized instruction, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling and audiological services, among others.

To receive a free screening and determine eligibility, click here, and find the Child Find Coordinator or Special Education Director for your school district.

Related Links:

Early Intervention Manual (PDF)

Family Training Resource Guide (PDF)

First 5 South Carolina

Children's Services

Early Intervention is a family-focused, in-home service for children from birth to age 6 years of age. An Early Interventionist helps families understand their child’s development and gives specific training to assist the family in addressing these areas of delay. Family Training and Service Coordination are provided in accordance with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children birth to 3 or a Family Service Plan (FSP) for children 3 to 6 years of age.

If you think your infant/child from birth to 3 years of age is developing or learning slowly, contact the local BabyNet office in your area. BabyNet is an educational program administered by the SC Department of Health and Human Services, that helps an infant or toddler with special needs move toward his/her full potential. Children who meet eligibility criteria are served regardless of family income. Once eligible, and depending upon the needs of the child, he/she may be transferred to a BHDD OIDD provider for the delivery of Family Training and Service Coordination.

If your child is over the age of 3 years, please call BHDD OIDD Eligibility at 1-800-289-7012.

For BabyNet’s eligibility criteria, please see the BabyNet Website.

For children 18 to 24 months of age who have been referred for follow-up after an M-CHAT screening, the child’s Early Interventionist will refer the child to a qualified clinician to administer another assessment called the Screening Tool for Autism Toddlers (STAT). List of known qualified STAT clinicians (PDF)

For children who are served in a “time-limited” category, the EI may submit a request for eligibility redetermination on the child’s behalf.  If the child meets eligibility criteria, they may continue to receive BHDD OIDD services.

Early Intervention services may also include physical or occupational therapy, speech therapy or assistive technology. Your child’s Early Interventionist is responsible for linking you and your family to these resources and making referrals where appropriate.