When the department determines that the welfare of a client would be facilitated by his placement out of the home, the client must be evaluated by the department, and the least restrictive level of care possible for the client must be recommended and provided when available. The department shall determine which levels of care are more restrictive and is responsible for providing a range of placements offering various levels of supervision. The department may pay an individual or organization furnishing residential alternatives to clients under this section a reasonable sum for services rendered, as determined by the department.
S.C. Code § 44-20-480