Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina is joining a new national effort aimed at giving more children in foster care what every young person needs most: a safe place to stay, a steady family connection and a stronger chance at permanency.
Governor Henry McMaster formally announced the state’s participation in “A Home for Every Child” during an event at the Statehouse, where he was joined by leaders from the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state lawmakers, community providers, stakeholders and officials from the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
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The initiative is designed to help states better match the number of available foster homes with the number of children and youth in care. It also focuses on reducing unnecessary entries into foster care when safe, effective alternatives can keep families together.
McMaster said the partnership comes as South Carolina continues its broader work to improve child welfare, support families, recruit and retain foster parents, and strengthen prevention and family preservation services across the state.
“The month of May has been recognized each year in my administration as Foster Care Awareness Month, and this year is no exception. Foster parents play an essential role in serving our state’s children and youth when they cannot safely remain with their parents or caregivers,” McMaster said.
“I applaud the Trump administration for bringing this critical initiative to states as an opportunity to make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. It is a chance to offer stability, hope, and the sense of belonging every young person deserves.”
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ACF Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams said the effort will work to increase licensed foster homes, strengthen kinship care, improve foster parent retention and reduce barriers that can slow casework and placement decisions.
According to ACF, only 57 licensed foster homes are available nationwide for every 100 children entering foster care. That gap can create serious challenges for children who need consistency, connection and a stable path forward.
South Carolina DSS Director Tony Catone said foster parents, kinship caregivers, caseworkers and community partners remain central to the state’s progress. He said the need is especially strong for homes willing to care for older youth, teenagers, sibling groups and medically complex children.
“South Carolina’s need for foster parents is not unlike other states across the country,” Catone said, adding that DSS will continue working with providers and partners to “recruit, train, support and retain new foster parents.”
The effort also supports President Trump’s executive order, “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families,” and First Lady Melania Trump’s broader commitment to improving outcomes for children in foster care.
South Carolina officials said the state has already made improvements, including fewer entries into care, a stronger “kin-first” approach and progress tied to the Michelle H. Federal Settlement Agreement.
Families interested in becoming foster parents or supporting children in their communities can learn more at https://heartfeltcalling.org.
