# Foster Care Help Resources - South Carolina ## National Resources - **National Foster Care & Adoption Directory (Child Welfare Information Gateway):** - **Phone:** 1-800-394-3366 - **Website:** [https://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad](https://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad) - **Services Provided:** Comprehensive directory of foster care and adoption resources nationwide. - **AdoptUSKids:** - **Phone:** 1-888-200-4005 - **Website:** [https://www.adoptuskids.org](https://www.adoptuskids.org/) - **Description:** Support for foster and adoptive families, including tools for navigating the system. - **National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP):** - **Phone:** 1-877-NYAP-CAN (692-7226) - **Website:** [https://www.nyap.org](https://www.nyap.org/) - **Services Provided:** Services for youth in foster care, including placement and family support. ## Statewide Foster Care Services - **South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) Foster Care Program:** - **Phone:** 1-888-828-3555 - **Website:** [https://dss.sc.gov/child-welfare/foster-care](https://dss.sc.gov/child-welfare/foster-care) - **Office Locations:** [Optional: List major offices/centers] - **Services Provided:** Licensing for foster parents, placement of children in foster care, case management, and financial assistance for foster families. - **South Carolina Foster Parent Association (SCFPA):** - **Phone:** 1-803-783-2505 - **Website:** [https://scfpa.org](https://scfpa.org/) - **Services Provided:** Advocacy, support groups, and training for foster parents across the state. ## Regional Foster Care Services ### Region 1 (Upstate South Carolina) - **Upstate Family Resource Center:** - **Phone:** 864-467-7683 - **Website:** [https://www.upstatefamilyresourcecenter.org](https://www.upstatefamilyresourcecenter.org/) - **Office Location:** 1100 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 - **Specialized Services:** Support services for foster families, mentoring programs for youth, and respite care for foster parents. ### Region 2 (Midlands South Carolina) - **Richland County DSS - Foster Care Services:** - **Phone:** 803-744-1700 - **Website:** [https://www.richlandcountysc.gov](https://www.richlandcountysc.gov/) - **Office Location:** 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29204 - **Specialized Services:** Adoption services, counseling, and support for foster youth aging out of the system. ## Reporting and Emergency Support - **Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:** - **Phone:** 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) - **Website:** [https://www.childhelp.org](https://www.childhelp.org/) - **When to Call:** To report abuse or neglect of children in foster care. ## Online Resources - **Foster Parent College:** - **Website:** [https://www.fosterparentcollege.com](https://www.fosterparentcollege.com/) - **Features:** Online courses for foster parents, covering topics such as trauma-informed care, behavioral management, and attachment. ## Educational Resources - **Foster Care: A Guide for Families in South Carolina:** - **Website:** [https://www.scdss.gov](https://www.scdss.gov/) - **Description:** A comprehensive guide for potential and current foster parents on navigating the foster care system, rights, and responsibilities. ## Additional Support - **Foster Care Scholarship Program for South Carolina Youth:** - **Phone:** 1-803-898-7319 - **Website:** [https://www.scheap.org](https://www.scheap.org/) - **Services Provided:** Financial assistance for foster youth pursuing higher education, including scholarships and mentorship programs. --- _Updated as of January 2, 2025. For updates or corrections, please contact the respective organizations._