South Carolina Department of Social Services
Contact Information
PO Box 1520
Columbia, SC 29202
United States
Online Contact Form
Columbia, SC 29202
United States
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 AM-5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM-5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM-5 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM-5 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM-5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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Foster care is the temporary care of children whose families are having problems and the children cannot safely remain in the home. Children in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services (DSS) are placed in a licensed foster home or group care facility that can best meet their needs while their parents work with DSS to resolve their problems. Some children are able to be placed with family members, called kinship caregivers. They may be eligible to become Kinship Foster Parents.
During this separation period, the department works first toward returning the children to a safe home environment. If reuniting with their biological family is not possible, then permanency is sought through termination of parental rights and adoption. Youths remaining in foster care receive assistance to make a successful transition into adulthood.
Services and information
- Kinship / Relative Care
- Non Related Kin (NRKIN)
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
Foster parents receive financial support in the form of a monthly board rate. Foster children also receive a clothing allowance, and their medical needs are covered through Medicaid.
In addition to the support you receive from your local DHS or foster care agency, there are other programs and resources available to parents.
The South Carolina Foster Parent Association offers free training to foster parents and kinship caregivers. You can find information on the latest laws and events as well. Plus, you gain access to valuable resources such as informational articles, contact information for professionals, etc.
The SC Foster Parent Association also allows foster families to connect with one another and share advice. You can find local association meetings in your area on their website.
The program Heartfelt Calling's mission is recruiting and supporting foster and adoptive families. Parents can learn more about the system, start the application process, register for orientation, find webinars, and more.
Foster parents that care for children in DSS custody receive reimbursement for related costs. These monthly foster care payments are meant to meet a child's basic care needs.
The most recent board rates are on the South Carolina Department of Social Services website. Payments may vary depending on a child's age and special needs.
Here are the basics;
Board Rates for Regular Foster Homes
Effective July 1, 2023
- Regular Foster Care - Age 0-5
- Monthly Rate - $644.00
- Daily Rate - $21.47
- Regular Foster Care - Age 6-12
- Monthly Rate - $752.00
- Daily Rate - $25.07
- Regular Foster Care - Age 13-20
- Monthly Rate - $794.00
- Daily Rate - $26.47
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
1.8 / 5| 5 | |
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Sep 13, 2023
Absolutely disgusting.
Aug 28, 2023
Slack, unprofessional, lazy and rude dismissive staff.
Aug 25, 2023
They have you waiting to speak to somebody for like 6 hours... 😒😒😒
Aug 03, 2023
DSS has zero compassion and talked to me like I was trash.I had a few choice words with them as I refused to be talked to like I am worthless . I am simply trying to protect my granddaughter from physical and mental abuse. A family member admitted that my granddaughter was abused and now they are lying to DSS. DSS caseworkers should all be fired immediately. An internal investigation for South Carolina DSS is way overdue.
Jun 28, 2023
I have a cps case with Chesterfield county. They said if I needed anything they would help. I was refused any assistance except Medicaid and asked if the caseworker could bring me some food for my kids and they refused. It's like DSS wants me to lose my kids to them. They helped the person who had my kids but refuse me and I'm out here trying and working and was helping the person with my kids with money out of every paycheck. But when it came to me not having food and going door to door in my neighborhood asking for it they didn't care if my kids ate. They brushed me off