COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– S.C. Department of Social Services Director (DSS) Michael Leach will step down from his position next year, announced Governor Henry McMaster on Tuesday. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the governor said Leach will step down from his position on January 2, 2025. Leach served as director for over five years, and was nominated by the governor in March 2019. During Leach’s tenure, the percentage of licensed kinship caregivers—relatives or close friends who care for children when their legal guardians are unable—rose from 6% to over 27%, according to the Governor’s Office. “Director Leach has been an exemplary leader for our state, excelling in a challenging role at a crucial time. Thanks to his leadership, the agency is stronger and more effective than when he started. He has improved all aspects of the agency and has positively impacted thousands of lives through his foster care reforms. I deeply appreciate his commitment and service to South Carolina, and I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors,” said Governor McMaster. In 2023, the state set a record with 645 public adoptions, bringing the total number of adoptions since 2019 to 2,572. Leach also led major legislative reforms, including a bill to provide additional support for kinship caregivers in 2022 and the creation of the state’s kinship guardianship program in 2023, states a press release. “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,” said Director Leach in his resignation letter. Categories: Local News, State Tags: S.C. Department of Social Services Director, SCDSS