North Charleston Woman Arrested After Children Found Alone in Apartment Fire

Janaina Ferreira charged with eight counts of unlawful conduct toward children after operating an unlicensed daycare.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:06am

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A 29-year-old North Charleston woman has been arrested after eight children were found alone inside an apartment where a fire broke out. Janaina Ferreira is facing eight counts of unlawful conduct toward children, each carrying up to 10 years in prison, for allegedly operating an unlicensed daycare out of the apartment. The South Carolina Department of Social Services is assisting in the investigation and warns that using unlicensed childcare can put children at risk of abuse and neglect.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal childcare operations in South Carolina, which the Department of Social Services says is a steady problem across the state. Unlicensed daycares can lack proper safety protocols, staff training, and background checks, putting children in jeopardy. The high cost of licensed childcare also pushes some families to seek out cheaper, unregulated options.

The details

Police arrested Janaina Ferreira after the apartment fire, charging her with eight counts of unlawful conduct toward children. While Ferreira is not being charged for running an unlicensed daycare, that offense can carry up to six months in jail and a $1,500 fine in South Carolina. The Department of Social Services said it often finds that people operating illegal childcare may not understand the licensing requirements, but continued operation after being contacted can lead to criminal charges.

  • On March 14, 2026, North Charleston police arrested Janaina Ferreira.

The players

Janaina Ferreira

A 29-year-old North Charleston resident who was arrested and charged with eight counts of unlawful conduct toward children for allegedly operating an unlicensed daycare out of her apartment.

South Carolina Department of Social Services

The state agency that oversees and regulates childcare providers, and is assisting in the investigation of the illegal daycare operation.

Connelly-Anne Ragley

The Chief External Affairs Officer for the South Carolina Department of Social Services, who warned that using unlicensed childcare can put children at risk of abuse and neglect.

Charlie Condon

A legal analyst who noted that the high cost of licensed childcare in the country can push some families to seek out cheaper, unregulated options.

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What they’re saying

“Placing your child with someone you may not know who is not licensed or regulated by the state of South Carolina is a risk factor for abuse and neglect.”

— Connelly-Anne Ragley, Chief External Affairs Officer, South Carolina Department of Social Services

“It's extremely expensive in this country. And so, the ability to fork up that kind of money and keep the family budget going is really difficult. So, I see there are all sorts of sadness all the way around with the situation.”

— Charlie Condon, Legal Analyst

What’s next

The judge will decide on Janaina Ferreira's bond and whether she will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal childcare operations in South Carolina, which put children at risk due to lack of proper licensing, safety protocols, and oversight. While the high cost of licensed care pushes some families to seek out cheaper options, using unlicensed providers can have devastating consequences.