COLUMBIA, S.C. — Michael Leach, director of South Carolina's Department of Social Services (DSS), announced on Tuesday, Oct. 22, that he would be stepping down from that position after just over five years on the job.
Gov. Henry McMaster nominated Leach to the director's position in March 2019.
In his letter of resignation, Leach said, "Serving in this role for the past five and a half years at the S.C. Department of Social Services has been an incredible honor and privilege. I have had the chance to work alongside a dedicated team and contribute to serving South Carolina's most vulnerable citizens. I am proud of the work we have done and the positive impact we've made on our South Carolina community. Collaborating with dedicated colleagues and advocates has been inspiring, and I am grateful for the support and guidance I received from everyone in South Carolina."
Leach also says his decision was not made lightly.
During his tenure, the creation of South Carolina's kinship guardianship program occurred in 2023, increasing the number of relatives and close friends who care for children when their legal guardians are unable to do so from 6% in 2019 to over 27% in 2024.
There have been issues at DSS. Most recently, DSS workers at a site on Two Notch Road in Columbia walked off the job on Friday, Oct. 18, after teenagers being temporarily housed at the site overnight got into a fight and vandalized some of the offices. Employees had stated they were afraid of being attacked by the kids and that even though they had accepted that working with troubled youth was part of their responsibilities, it wasn't work risking serious injury or death.
Leach's last day on the job is January 2, 2025.
