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 |
Jan 03, 2022
I’ve been calling this number for a week straight to get information about my food stamps and every time I call they never answer, or they claim it’s a holiday when it’s not
Dec 24, 2021
You don't deserve a star, this office I been contacting for two years and no help yet, I still haven't had any contact with my kids what so ever, I know my boys miss their Dad, I will get my children back with DSS help or without. For two years Mom's get best Help from DSS, And Dad's not so much, Im a Dad and I don't matter, no father matters. SC this state is Fu&@ed up. I will Sue DSS for their no help at all. Fire all dss employees and hire single fathers I bet lots better progress will be done in DSS office. GARANTEED.
Dec 07, 2021
Didn't inform next of kin after death of mother and just took the child into the system. NOW refusing to allow qualified family members to have the child. SC DSS has lawsuit after Lawsuit filed against them and they are STILL operating as normal WITHOUT any changes.
Oct 21, 2021
Absolutely incompetent. Was never served my order. My paperwork for modification keeps conveniently getting lost or is incapable of being read. Despite them admitting over the phone they have been aware of me trying to have it modified for 3yrs. $650mo for one child and at the time that was half my monthly income, was homeless and car less. Horrible horrible people
Sep 25, 2021
They don't help the parent, who has been taking care of their children for their whole lives.. I am owe $55,000 in child's support... I have two grown children.. Now they reduce to $32,000 because my son is 25 years old.. ( the said he is of age). Don't know what that means... What about the back child's support??? They just don't sound right and they really don't care....😪😪😪