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
1.8 / 5| 5 | |
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Jan 09, 2019
I wish I could put zero stars up for this incompetent staff.please search for valid help.
Dec 07, 2018
Great place to work!!!
Nov 27, 2018
They do not try to help you. They are rude and i have been waiting over a week for a supervisor to call me back.
Nov 08, 2018
I am the grandparent and legal guardian of my two grandchildren who are receiving Medicaid under Healthy Choice. The purpose of the review is to acknowledge one of your employees. Her name is Briana. Unfortunately, I do not have her last name. I neglected to ask her because I was so pleased with her services. I just hope that there is only one Briana as your employee. I am from Charleston, SC. My problem is, DSS has documented my 9 year old granddaughter as the Primary contact person and it needed to be corrected. Important mail would come in her name and it was a problem. After receiving numerous extremely poor services from my local office, I find every time I call the office is Columbia, the customer service that I receive over the phone alone makes me valued and my situations and problems really matter. Briana took the time to LISTEN to my situation, immediately apologized in behalf of the SC Department of Social Services, requested information for her research to solve the matter and informed me that she was putting me on hold to look into my problem. When she returned, she told me that I didn't have to do what the local office wanted me to do. She informed me that all I needed to do was to fax the Medicaid Review form to the number she provided and assured me that the matter would be taken cared of immediately. Briana went above and beyond to not only assist my needs but her apologies in behalf of SC DSS displays her loyalty to her place of employment and where she represents. This shows awesome leadership. May I add that every encounter I receive when I call the Columbia office, the representatives are pleasant. As a customer, I hope Briana and the other employees work ethics don't go unnoticed. Kudos to Briana and the other worthy customer service representatives. Keep up the good work!
Oct 24, 2018
SNAP / Food Stamps : Did you know that you can request a face-to-face Interview at your local county DSS Office ? I didn't . I could NOT get through on the phone for the phone interview . No matter the time of the day or day.. Wish I known this before pursuing the phone interview