So what's the Problem?

Approximately 1400 children and 300 elderly are under the care of the Charleston County Department of Social Services due to abuse and neglect. Children and adults with a history of maltreatment require special attention to ensure that their physical, social, emotional, and mental health needs are met. Research demonstrates that this group is at risk for: poor long-term intellectual and academic achievement cognitive, emotional, and social disturbance low self-esteem, fears, depression, anxiety, self harm, suicide, somatization, eating disorders, dissociation, conduct problems, attention, hyperactivity and impulse problems dysfunctional relationships and risk taking behaviors ongoing patterns of abuse in future generations

In order to achieve optimum potential, child victims of maltreatment need:

• a safe comfortable environment
• tangible rewards
• adult recognition
• adult guidance
• special opportunities to enhance self-esteem and promote academic success

Frequently, struggling families need extra support to provide a stable home environment where a child can stay united with his or her family rather than be placed in foster care. Resources such as beds and appliances can help. Keeping a child in his or her family's home can mean significant savings for the taxpayer.

Unfortunately, in our present Department of Social Services (DSS) system, there simply are not enough resources to meet the needs of abused and neglected children and adult victims. The system is overwhelmed. Many caseworkers have full caseloads, resulting in low morale and inefficiency.

It is clear that these clients identified by DSS have tremendous needs, yet financial resources to meet their needs are quite limited. HALOS is a mechanism to help connect generous caring individuals and groups with victims and families who need assistance within their own community.