South Carolina Department of Social Services
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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 |
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
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Jun 03, 2020
I put in a complaint towards a case worker who was absolutely insensitive to the situation towards my sibling (I'm out of state and heard what happemed). The case worker for child services left a number for adult social services, that not only is not her number but not even her supervisor's. I got the run a round for 3 hours, and 5 different numbers that led in circles to make a verbal complaint. Even when I got a hold of child services, their response to me was that that is the number they were told to give (fyi, they gave me 3 different numbers all going to same info) finally I put in a complaint through their unfriendly user site, 1 month later, nothing. Good luck trying to be a good citizen and bring attention to those who need more training.
Apr 12, 2020
It should be dismantled from the core. Pure evil!!!
Mar 31, 2020
I have been fighting DSS to get custody of my daughter and grand daughter returned since I asked them for help for my grandchild and they were both taken. After two dozen false complaints from a nasty neighbor, they finally made up a reason to take them. Anyone experiencing similar circumstances I would welcome hearing from you. My gmail account it my first and last name with the number 70.
Mar 18, 2020
Dishonest, Incompetent and Unprofessional sums up the experience that the individuals in this office provide. Someone from the Governors office should look into what’s going on there.
Feb 02, 2020
Reverse discrimination reverse discrimination reverse discrimination... inept... some workers should be prosecuted.... after car accident I finally gave up when i took documents in and worker claimed bank statements were phone bills... not worth the effort after 3 months and several visits... I'm back at work now but i will NEVER go there again for help