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 29, 2016
My wife and I live in Texas. Our ex daughter-in-law met a man online from South Carolina and after a couple of months decided to move to South Carolina along with her son. We warned her of some domestic violence cases against him but she moved anyway. We told her to leave our grandson with us and for her to move and get to know this man better and get things situated for her son. He is ADHD and is on medication. A month into her new relationship, the boyfriend beats up on the son. She keeps him out of school for a week but when he does go back to school administration call DSS because they notice bruises around the face and neck area. He is picked up by DSS and they take control. During this time we go through the approval procedures for kinship and get approved. We wanted him to be placed on our care but rather than place him with us he went to foster care. He has been in two different homes and its been going on eight months and he is still in foster care. Apparently from what I've been told by the guardian ad litem is that the mother and boyfriend have not finished their classes. Come on it's been more than seven months. The caseworker will speak to us but cannot divulge anything directly related to the case. We have not spoken to our grandson for two months. The caseworker has not returned messages left by me or the grandson's father. I just don't know why he was not placed with us at the time beating took place. Placing him back in that same atmosphere could result in a worse beating or he could end up doing something terrible. I just do not understand South Carolina's Department of Social Services.
Apr 29, 2016
You should be ashamed!!! You gave rights to a murderer and now those poor kids are dead because of your poor judgment!!!!!!!
Apr 21, 2016
I need assistance for my family and I haven't heard anything from anyone on why it's such a delay in my case. I've waited all month long for SNAP benefits only to be told it's processing....SC doesn't want to help its on....I bet if I was an immigrant I'd get all types of help.
Feb 17, 2016
GREAT SERVICE LOVE IT!! 803 PRIDE
Apr 01, 2015
My experience with South Carolina Department of Social Services has been a horrible nightmare I move here in October of 2014 and during the month of January 2015 I became financial incapable of providing for myself. I have made several attempts to seek assistance from South Carolina Department of Social Services and each time I was denied with out any further assistance. I was only told "welcome to South Carolina and have a nice day." The State department of Social Services in South Carolina does not aide to assist people in temporary need. This i can prove with documentation and recorded conversation from various locations that i have encounter. I am seeking to resolve this problem here in this state and i will not stop until i get results. Thank you for you attention.