S.C. recognizes Adoption Month, encourages families to consider public adoption

COLUMBIA - Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed November as Adoption Month in South Carolina. In addition, the state will observe Monday, Nov. 23, as Adoption Day. South Carolina Chief Justice John W. Kittredge has authorized special terms of Family Court for the finalization of public adoptions in Greenville, Sumter, Charleston and Florence counties.

As of Nov. 4, 376 children in South Carolina's foster care system are legally free for adoption and waiting for a permanent place to call home. Of these children, 83% are ages 6-18, and 54% are part of a sibling group. Older youth continue to represent one of the agency's greatest needs in securing permanency.

"You do not have to have every answer to make an extraordinary difference in a child's life," said Tony Catone, DSS state director. "Children who have experienced abuse or neglect need safety, love and a permanent place to belong. We are so grateful for the many families who respond to the calling and step forward to serve and for the many community partners who help make these matches successful."

"Adoption Month reminds us of the profound impact a permanent family can have on a child's life," McMaster said. "Every child in South Carolina deserves a loving home, and as we recognize Adoption Day, we celebrate the families that are built through adoption and the dedication of those who support our foster youth."

"Adoption Day highlights permanency, stability and a sense of belonging for children and families," Kittredge said. "It is an honor for our family courts to finalize these life-changing moments and celebrate the creation of loving, permanent homes. These proceedings remind us of the importance of family and the bright futures that begin when children are given the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment."

All year long, SCDSS collaborates with community partners to recruit, train and support families who can meet the unique needs of children awaiting adoption. Adoption Month offers an opportunity to join the U.S. Children's Bureau in raising awareness about children and youth who continue to wait for permanency.

For individuals interested in learning more about public adoption through DSS, key steps include:

- Visiting https://dss.sc.gov/child-well-being/adoption for an overview of the adoption process

- Attending required training to learn how to best support a child's needs

- Completing background and fingerprint checks

- Working with an adoption investigator to complete a home study

- Participating in the matching process and preparing to meet a child who may join your family

Families may also view profiles of waiting children online at SCDSS Adoptions, the SC Heart Gallery and AdoptUSKids. The agency's Text to Connect service allows users to text "DSS" to 211211 for information about adoption, fostering and kinship care.

Throughout November, DSS will highlight the stories of families who open their hearts and homes to children through public adoption on the agency's social media channels.