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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Jul 19, 2022
I had a telephone interview this morning nobody called me so I called and now it’s saying the office is unavailable to call later and I been calling all day
Jul 14, 2022
Very slow about evaluating a case when they have been informed that the recertification letter was never received in the mail. They still want to wait almost thirty days to actually do their job. Need to get better workers that really want to do the job they are suppose to do or either let every county go back to handling their own cases.
Jul 12, 2022
SCDSS is a disgrace! They don't care about the children or anyone else ! Young girl with Autism gets taken advantage of ! He even abused the children ! Instead of protecting them they took them away from the mother gave the baby to the lady that was letting the abuse happen in her home and exspects the Autism girl to pay child support ! When she isn't smart enough to get a gob ! Now the girl is going to jail ! I don't call that justice ! It's a disgrace ! Someone needs to help that girl get her disability if they want her to pay child support ! Amanda Christine Fowler needs help not harassment ! Spartanburg County DSS is a disgrace !
Jun 14, 2022
I don't ever have any problemsWe're getting helpA lot of
May 29, 2022
Very derogatory, disrespectful and rude staff. Got angry because we bothered them during their lunch breaks. Don't walk away from this place, RUN AWAY.