Providing a temporary, stable environment for children in need is managed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). The state establishes requirements for individuals who wish to become foster parents and for the homes where children will be placed. This article outlines the requirements for personal eligibility, physical home standards, necessary documentation, and the licensing process.
Personal Eligibility for Foster Parents in South Carolina
Prospective foster parents in South Carolina must be at least 21 years old and be a resident of the state. Marital status is not a barrier; applicants can be single, married, or partnered. All applicants must demonstrate financial stability by showing they can manage their household expenses without depending on the foster care stipend.1LII / Legal Information Institute. S.C. Code Regs. § 114-550 – Licensure of Family Foster Homes and Approval of Adoptive Homes for Children in Foster Care
A key component of eligibility is the health of all household members. Applicants and everyone living in the home must undergo a medical screening to verify they are in good physical and emotional health and free from communicable diseases. Additionally, every household member aged 18 and older is required to pass comprehensive background checks, as certain criminal convictions will disqualify an applicant.2Justia. South Carolina Code Section 63-7-2350 (2024) – Restrictions on foster care, adoption, or legal guardian placements.
South Carolina Foster Home Physical Environment Standards
South Carolina regulations require that a foster home can comfortably accommodate everyone living there, including any foster children. Each child in care must have their own bed and adequate storage space for personal belongings. While siblings of the same sex may share a room, state regulations limit children of the opposite sex sharing a room to those under the age of four.
The home must have functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and at least one accessible fire extinguisher, along with a posted written fire escape plan. It must be free from hazards, such as portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment. Any permitted electric space heaters must have a tip-over safety switch and be placed at least three feet away from combustible materials.
Medications, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous materials must be securely stored. Any firearms and ammunition must be stored separately from each other in a locked container. The home must also meet sanitation and utility requirements, including safe drinking water, functional plumbing, and reliable heating and cooling systems. The property must be in a good state of repair and cleanliness. If the property includes outdoor play areas, they must be secure, and any swimming pool must be enclosed by a fence that is at least four feet high with a self-closing, latching gate.
Gathering Your Application Information and Documents
Preparing for the application process involves compiling a set of personal documents. Applicants will need to provide:
- Valid photo identification for all adult household members
- Birth certificates for all applicants
- Social security cards
- A marriage certificate or divorce decrees, if applicable
- Proof of income, verified through recent pay stubs or tax returns
- Proof of residency, like a utility bill
You will complete the primary application, DSS Form 1572, “Application to Foster Care/Adoption,” which requires a personal history and a list of all household members. Applicants and all other adult household members must complete a “Medical Report for Prospective Foster/Adoptive Parent,” DSS Form 1574. You will also need to provide proof of current rabies vaccinations for any pets and identify several personal references—typically non-relatives who have known you for at least three years.
The official application forms can be obtained from the DSS website or through a licensed child-placing agency. Some sections may ask for your perspective on parenting or to describe your previous experience with children, which helps the agency understand your potential as a foster parent.
Navigating the South Carolina Foster Home Licensing Steps
The formal licensing process begins with submitting your application to a DSS office or a licensed private agency. Following submission, you will be required to complete mandatory pre-service training of at least 14 hours. This training covers topics such as state licensing requirements, standards of care, and skills for meeting the needs of children in foster care.
A central part of the process is the home study, which involves a series of visits from a licensing worker. During these visits, the worker will conduct interviews with all members of the household to assess the family’s stability and readiness. The worker also performs a physical inspection of the home to ensure it complies with all safety and environmental standards.
While the home study is underway, the agency will process the required background checks for all adults in the home. This involves submitting fingerprints for state (SLED) and federal (FBI) criminal history reviews.3Justia. South Carolina Code Section 63-7-2340 (2024) – Fingerprint-based background check. Additionally, checks of the Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry and the Sex Offender Registry are conducted.
After all training, interviews, home inspections, and background checks are complete, the licensing agency reviews the entire file to make a final decision. Upon approval, you will receive your foster home license.