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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Jun 01, 2017
This department needs to be completely disbanded. All of the current staff need to be fired. The entire training module needs to be revamped. All new people need to be hired. SCDSS staff are tired, disgruntled, lackluster, nonchalant, and just simply don't care. Sadly, it shows.
May 29, 2017
Y HAVE HAD MY FOODSTAMPS CUT DOWN AGAIN AFTER A SOCIAL WORKER GOT EVERYTHING ALL STRAIGTENED OUT AND NOW I AM DOING WITHOUT FOOD. OTHER PEOPLE AROUND WHERE I LIVE ARE GETTING TO WORK FOR $39.009 DOLLARS A DAY AND NOT HAVE NO STATE OR FEDERAL TAXES TAKEN OUT AND DRAWS FOOD STAMPS WAY MORE THAN ME, AND ARE FINDING WAYS TO LET SOMEONE ELSE USE THEIR CARD TO GET MONEY FOR DRUGS. I NEED FOOD I AM VERY ILL, IN A WHEEL CHAIR AND CANNOT DO LIKE THESE PEOPLE AND I AM STARVING HERE WHAT AM I TO DO?
Jan 06, 2017
My wife's brother has vascular dementia and was put in a facility to help with rehabilitation and was later release to my wife and sister-in law care, They have sent in documents that were fill out for Medicaid services to put him in a rehab facility for additional treatment and care and was connected with a represented that advised her social worker would be in touch, and numerous telephone calls and messages to representive and no response. This department is a joke.
Oct 20, 2016
A woman I know has tested positive for drugs multiple times and can't even provide a home for her her children still jas custody of them and her case was closed. But, a woman who has been clean and who's home has been improved can't even have her newborn baby girl and it's really ridiculous because she deserves her baby girl.
Aug 03, 2016
Apparently the case worker I was working with didn't exist and his phone was shut off... So you guys have me an imaginary friend? Ok