2025 National Adoption Month In South Carolina Highlights Needs for Teens, Sibling Groups via Public Adoption
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National Adoption Month In South Carolina Highlights Needs for Teens, Sibling Groups via Public Adoption
November 6, 2025 - Columbia, S.C. – The month of November is recognized as National Adoption Month in South Carolina, and in addition, the state is recognizing Monday, November 24th, as Adoption Day. South Carolina Chief Justice John W. Kittridge has authorized terms of Family Court for the finalization of public adoptions in Greenville, Sumter, Charleston, and Horry Counties on Adoption Day.
As National Adoption Month begins, 234 children in the state’s foster care system are legally free with open adoption resources and waiting for a permanent place to call home – a forever family. Of those available for public adoption through DSS, 82% of those children are ages 6-18 and 18% are members of a sibling group. Older children and youth represent the agency’s greatest need of providing permanency.
“Adoption demonstrates the power of sacrificial love to bring restoration, hope, and belonging,” said Tony Catone, DSS State Director. “To welcome a child warmly into a family and provide the care, support, and nurture to heal their hearts makes our communities stronger and offers a better future to so many lives. Let us use this month to advocate for adoption, support adoptive families, and celebrate the joy that adoption brings to so many lives.”
"Adoption Month serves as a reminder of the life-changing impact that a permanent family can have on a child's future," said Governor Henry McMaster. "Every child deserves a loving home, and as we recognize Adoption Day, we reflect on the importance of supporting the youth in our foster care system, ensuring they can build lasting bonds that enhance their well-being."
“The Judicial Branch is honored to participate in the final adoption hearings scheduled across the state during National Adoption Month,” said Chief Justice John Kittridge. “Adoption is a profound act of love and commitment, bringing lasting stability and permanency to children and families. As Chief Justice, I am deeply proud that our family courts are able to play a part in these life-changing moments.”
All year long, SCDSS works diligently with community partners to recruit and train families that best match the unique needs of every child awaiting adoption. November offers the chance to join the United States Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau’s efforts to increase awareness and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in foster care.
SCDSS and the South Carolina Judicial Branch will release information about Adoption Day times and locations prior to the November 24th hearings. For individuals interested in learning more about public adoption through DSS, here are the key steps in becoming a forever family for a child or teenager:
· Visit https://dss.sc.gov/child-well-being/adoption/ to learn the steps to becoming an adoptive parent.
· Attend training to help identify what makes your family the best fit for a waiting young person.
· Complete background and FBI fingerprint check requirements.
· Meet with a certified adoption investigator to begin your adoption home study process, including fire and sanitation inspections.
· A selection committee matches a young person with your family and shares their full background and unique needs.
· Meet the young person and begin getting to know each other with visits and overnight stays. You are now on the way to your final adoption day!
Families interested in adoption can view online profiles of South Carolina’s waiting children at SCDSS Adoptions, the SC Heart Gallery, and AdoptUSKids. SCDSS has improved services and timeframes by creating a system that responds to families within three days of an initial inquiry. Families already approved to adopt are notified within two weeks if they are a potential match with a child, and the final selection from all potential matches is made within 30 days. You can also learn about adoption services by texting “DSS” to 211211 as the DSS Text to Connect system puts a full range of service options in the hands of users.
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Mission Statement: The South Carolina Department of Social Services serves South Carolina by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, helping individuals achieve stability and strengthening families.
