South Carolina Department of Social Services
Do you own this business? Claim this listing to add more information.
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 | |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 |
Dec 21, 2022
Sit on hold for HOURS for it to hang up on you and not even receive a call back. Half the time it’s hard to get on the phone with a representative, need to hire more workers. This is INSANE!
Dec 07, 2022
Horrible no one cares no one answer phones it’s so sad!!! No one returns calls a they say they care about our kids!!! I’ve been reaching out regarding my 3 year old I have issue with the school Sandel Elementary an then they give the school a choice if they want a meeting with you the parents… Worst Board of Education I ever encountered!!
Dec 06, 2022
My experience with SC DSS has always been a blessing. I after all, am the fit parent, & have had full custody since my 8 yr old was 1.5 yrs old. I went 4 years not asking for child support. Then I needed it when I fell ill. I allowed the agent to lower my son's mother's weekly payments by 33%. I know it's tough out here for many, but just by reading the reviews of some of these ppl that gave bad reviews, I can tell they're not very intelligent & if what they say is true, and the wrong parents are getting custody, I feel awful for all those children. SC is a 2 parent state, my son has only me because his mom can't begin to play her part. I lean towards some of these bad reviews being unfit parents, bitter at the world, because the government finds their child's other parent to be the one worthy & blessed enough to raise the children. If I didn't have my son, I wouldn't be making incoherent reviews on websites. Maybe the family court system of SC got it absolutely right with each of you that gave poor reviews 🤷 I am very grateful for all the assistance SC DSS has provided over these years! Thank you eternally!
Joshua R Bowen
Nov 14, 2022
Rude & uninformative, was a wasted telephone call..
Nov 03, 2022
How the heck do y'all except ppl to call if they have questions when they tell u to call the 800 number and they don't don't answer then u try to call DSS in the county u live in and they don't answer there phone what so ever. My friend was in the office the other day and said the phones were ringing off the hook and not 1 person would answer the phone