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 |
Nov 01, 2017
This is a joke.....
Aug 25, 2017
A good question was asked me when I accompanied a friend to DSS, Why does everyone who works here look like their mad about something? It was only 8:30!!! No truer words were ever spoken!!!
Aug 02, 2017
This is the absolute worst agency I've ever dealt with. I reported sexual abuse against my step children. The case worker, Kelsey Ulrich did not interview the kids, spent a total of 7 minutes in my home to "insure safety" per protocol. The allegations were unfounded against the abuser and my husband and I were indicated for mental abuse for reporting it and having our children examined. Every one of them should be fired.
Jul 14, 2017
Harden street. Finally got results they only person that seemed interested to help was the officer at the front. I was given the run around with his help I figured out where exactly I needed to be. Thank you Officer Lopez.
Jun 13, 2017
Charleston Dept, as an inside friends and family ring going on, There are case worker and having children place with they families to gain income, i was able to adopted three boys from that area the same time i was trying to get my grands, but yet they are still with none family members and not blood, they are doing knowing families don't have the funds for Lawyer, Columbia keep saying we have file a report and the case is close, how could this be, a disable person in the state of south carolina have to pay child support, and the child get their own check,plus the person the place child with get a check from the state. How is this happen 7 years these children are being kept for there family, for DSS worker and friends to gain income, This not right, I will keep fighting for my grands, and the State needs to look in to Charleston case file, we need help fighting them and there lies to cover there ring.