South Carolina Foster Care Review Division promotes adoption and improves child placement processes

In a recent meeting of the Senate Legislative Oversight Subcommittee on the Department of Children’s Advocacy (DCA), significant discussions centered on improving the foster care system in South Carolina, particularly through the efforts of the Foster Care Review Division. The meeting highlighted the importance of initiatives aimed at keeping children with serious emotional and behavioral issues in their homes and communities, rather than in state care or detention facilities.

One of the key topics was the role of the continuum of care and juvenile justice wraparound services, which are designed to divert youth from detention and support their successful transition back into the community. This approach aims to provide necessary resources and services to children, ensuring they remain connected to their families and schools whenever safely possible.

The Foster Care Review Division, established in 1974, plays a crucial role in monitoring the welfare of children in foster care. The division reviews cases of children who have been in foster care for more than four months, working to prevent them from languishing in the system. The review boards, which include a state board and 43 local boards, assess whether children are appropriately placed and receiving the services they need. Their recommendations are submitted to the courts, ensuring that judges are informed about the children's situations.

A notable initiative discussed was the South Carolina Heart Gallery, which aims to recruit adoptive homes for children whose parents' rights have been terminated. The program has evolved to include vibrant photographs and videos of children, showcasing their stories and desires for adoption. This effort has reportedly led to a significant increase in adoption inquiries, with numbers rising from 383 to 851 in just one fiscal year.

The subcommittee also touched on legislative efforts to improve the adoption process, including a bill that proposes moving the permanency planning hearing timeline from 12 months to 9 months. This change aims to expedite the adoption process and reduce the time children spend in foster care.

As the Foster Care Review Division prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in July 2024, it continues to seek volunteers to fill vacancies on its boards across the state. The division emphasizes collaboration with other agencies to reduce barriers to permanency for children in foster care, focusing on solutions rather than punitive measures.

The discussions from this meeting underscore a commitment to enhancing the foster care system in South Carolina, with a clear focus on the well-being of children and the importance of finding them loving, permanent homes.