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 1, 2024 - 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 25th 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 Florence counties on Adoption Day.

As National Adoption Month begins, 210 children in the state’s foster care system are legally free for adoption 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 3% are members of a sibling group. Older children and youth represent the agency’s greatest need of providing permanency. This year’s national theme is “Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds” and serves as an opportunity to build a support network for youth that meets their needs.

“All children should have a strong support system as they navigate through life,” said Michael Leach, DSS State Director. “Public adoption is a way to build families and focus on children who are in foster care at no fault of their own. Providing a healthy and stable life is one step towards happiness and positive outcomes for the children we serve.”

During Director Leach’s time leading the agency, a record number of public adoptions in a single year occurred in 2023 with 645 finalized during the calendar year.  Between 2019 and October 31, 2024, a total of 2,593 public adoptions were finalized, giving youth, teens, and sibling groups a loving forever home.

DSS public adoption efforts continue with a new public service announcement aimed at prospective families and highlighting the need for families willing to adopt older youth and teenagers. The :30 second ad will run on traditional media outlets statewide and social media channels and can be viewed here.

"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 joins DSS and all our fellow citizens in recognizing and celebrating Adoption Month,” said Chief Justice John Kittridge.  “In whatever setting through court-approved permanency plans resulting in an adoption or a private adoption the joining together of a child into a new and loving family is a reason to celebrate. As a former family court judge, I well remember the sense of gratification and joy in presiding over adoption hearings.”  

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 25th hearings.

For individuals interested in learning more about public adoption through DSS, here are key steps in becoming a forever family for a child or teenager:

• Make the call to HeartFelt Calling, (888) 828-3555, and fill out an application or visit heartfeltcalling.org
• 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.

Throughout the month of November, DSS will also be highlighting the stories of parents who are opening their homes and hearts and expanding their families through public adoption on the agency’s social media channels.

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Editor’s Note: To set up interviews with adoptive families, please contact publicinfo@dss.sc.gov or 803-898-7602 and the agency will help outlets connect to an adoptive family that wishes to participate.

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.