A social worker in South Carolina, United States, has been arrested after her 12-year-old daughter was found severely malnourished and suffering from several untreated medical conditions, according to police.

Chiquitta Dawkins, 43, was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Investigators began examining the case after the girl’s father reported concerns about her welfare. Dawkins and her daughter had previously lived in Bowman, South Carolina, before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, in July.

According to an incident report and arrest warrant cited by The Times and Democrat, the girl’s father told investigators that she came into his care on August 22.

He said she appeared unusually small for her age and was limping, prompting him to take her to a paediatrician.

The doctor reportedly found that the child was about 20 pounds underweight and diagnosed her with malnutrition.

An X-ray also revealed low bone density and underdeveloped bones, which authorities linked to inadequate vitamin D and calcium. The girl was also found to have an infection in her left hip.

The sheriff’s office said the girl weighed 47 pounds and had what authorities described as fragile bones.

Investigators also found that she had several untreated dental cavities and had gone years without dental treatment. She was reportedly behind on recommended vaccinations, while officials found no record of her attending school since kindergarten.

According to the report, the girl followed a vegetarian diet consisting of quinoa and beans.

Authorities have not established through a court ruling that the diet alone caused her medical condition. The allegations concern the child’s overall care and the circumstances that led to her severe malnutrition.

The girl’s paediatrician recommended hospital admission, and she remained in hospital for 13 days, during which she received nutrition through a feeding tube.

An investigator reportedly determined that the child was approximately five years behind in her development. She measured 4 feet, 3 inches tall.

The case has raised concerns about the prolonged absence of appropriate nutrition, medical treatment and educational support allegedly experienced by the child.

Authorities said Dawkins, who had worked as a licensed independent social worker for 18 years, avoided calls from investigators during the inquiry.

She was subsequently arrested and held on a $35,000 bond, according to the report.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell criticised the circumstances described by investigators, saying the child had been allowed to become dangerously ill and malnourished.

The allegations against Dawkins have not been proven in court. Further proceedings are expected to determine the case’s outcome.