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 | |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 |
Feb 18, 2021
Very rude staff, never want to do their job, poor attitude, you can give them all the information they need for your snap case yet something always seem to be wrong, i will never understand.
Jan 19, 2021
I am a paying father with my case starting in Maryland over 8 years ago. My child is here in SC and has been here the past 6 years. I have requested a change because 2 years ago they claimed I was over $700 in delequent fees
and now this year 2021 SC says $1100 in arears and Maryland says $1800.
Really discouraging to me the paying father that has money coming out of his salary weekly. If anyone knows a organization that helps in these situations please post for it may help lots of people with situations like mine. Oh yeah that 1 star was because you have to have a rating. No where near star. Just my opinions
Jan 14, 2021
The Child Support Division is absolutely HORRIBLE! If I could give them NEGATIVE or ZERO stars I would. Unprofessional, Rude, and Incompetent staff. Custodial Parents are constantly given the run around and excuses regarding cases and lack of action while Non Custodial parents roam free of charge. I can’t believe this place is STILL operating on such a horrendous level.
Nov 23, 2020
Slack and rude
Nov 21, 2020
Been trying to get EBT for a month now no one ever picks up the phone have no clue what I need to do