COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)- State auditors say the South Carolina agency that takes care of the state's most vulnerable and disabled children and adults doesn't meet its own standards to protect them.

The Legislative Audit Council report released Tuesday says the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs should do more extensive background and reference checks on caregivers.

The report says the agency doesn't follow its own guidelines when care facilities have safety problems. The report also says the agency fails to follow guidelines in firing people for abuse, neglect or exploiting people with disabilities.

The agency says it is complying with federal and state laws and will adopt some of the recommendations.

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