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South Carolina is grappling with the urgent need for foster parents across the country
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South Carolina is grappling with the urgent need for foster parents across the country

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – While the number of children in foster care has decreased in recent years in South Carolina, the number of those willing to foster children has also decreased, creating an urgent and necessary need for foster parents.

Charleston County ranks third in the state for the number of children in foster care, at 223 behind Richland County, 498 and Greenville County, 426.

At the state level, the number of young people in the foster care system decreased accordingly Department of Social Services.

  • 2022: 3,404
  • 2023: 3,700
  • 2024: 3,383

It is good news that there are fewer children in the system, but the problem is not solved without a home.

The number of regular foster homes in South Carolina has declined in recent years, according to the Department of Social Services, leaving children in the system to wait longer and face more changes than before.

  • 2019: 1,793
  • 2020: 1,866
  • 2021: 1,754
  • 2022: 1,586
  • 2023: 1,439

The number of foster homes in the state has fluctuated in recent years. (Department of Social Services SC)

Vanessa Smalls works as a treatment coordinator for the National Youth Advocacy Program, otherwise known as NYAP, which serves as the base for foster care services.

She explained to the children that those entering the system often don’t want to leave their homes and then have to wait hours in an office for someone to say yes and take them in.

“I’m not going to say that kids are told no, no, no, like everyone says no, but it’s just that sometimes placements can take so long. There are a lot of nos, and sometimes when you get a yes, the yeses are temporary,” Smalls said.

NADPS, firefighters fight fire

Smalls said children in SC are in dire need of foster parents, and they can’t do it without more people willing to open their homes and hearts.

“It’s worth the time, it’s worth the investment, it’s worth the impact because we’ve literally seen the impact our foster parents have had in the lives of so many young people,” Smalls said. “They motivate me to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Lowcountry resident Michelle Hannum and her husband decided to foster for the first time a year ago and have now cared for a foster child for nearly eight months.

“There are definitely challenges, but also really, really wonderful moments,” Hannum said. “Every day, the love and bond you form is truly special.”

Since becoming a foster parent, Hannum said many people who hear their story have thought about it, but haven’t committed to the process.

“I would definitely recommend it,” Hannum said. “If there is space, and I’m not talking about physical space, yes, you need physical space for a child, but just space in your heart where you have that extra love to give.”

Monday miracle

“I think we all think we know what love is, but I think that’s probably the first thing he gave us,” she added. “Love could be so multi-dimensional and multi-faceted, but you really don’t know that kind of love until you’ve raised a child and you’re there for their needs.”

Providing resources for foster parents is a large part of the National Youth Advocate Program’s mission to ensure that parents are properly trained for any situation and to help foster children in any way they can.

“We’re going to make sure that foster parents and our youth are taking advantage of the resources that the state provides that they may not know about,” Smalls said.

“It’s really like a village because there’s a lot of support for you,” Hannum said. “It might not seem like it at first, but it’s there and it’s all around you. Even within the fostering community, there are so many people who come out of the woodwork and are there for you.”

For more information on becoming a foster parent with NYAP, click here.