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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| 1 |
Oct 15, 2018
The current system in place for SC DSS is a joke. The phone hangs up on you or you hold for hours while the phone tells you your wait time is more or less than 45 minutes. When you finally do get someone, they have no clue what you are talking about because they are not in your county or even in your part of the state. This is most user unfriendly system I have ever had to deal with. There is no one person you can call who knows you and your case.
Aug 30, 2018
Over 2 years ago they attempted entry in my apartment while my pregnant wife was at work. I had politely informed then that the person who they where looking for has not lived here in a couple of months. They still insisted to get into the apartment saying they had a warrent. I asked to see the warrent and they refused to give me a warrent. So I denied entry. About 10 mins later they showed up with a police officer. I answered the door and walked outside they kept trying to gain entry and I kept denying entry. Now after about 30 mins I got to check on my dog and after I reassure her I turn around and the officer is standing in the living room area of the apt. So yes dss does need to be investigated and I hope for those three dss workers sake that they are punished harshly
May 29, 2018
It is awfull when you have to do a call in for your snap benefits and the phone is busy for 3 days already. How do they think we can do the interview if they don't answer the phone. I think they take the phone off the hook. They suck at taking care of the people that need this help.
May 23, 2018
Very unprofessional!
Jan 30, 2018
they never answer phone calls,worst place ever.