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Every year, thousands of young people across the United States "age out" of foster care. This means they reach adulthood - usually at age 18 or 21, depending on the state - and leave the foster care system without being connected to a permanent family. While many...

In South Carolina and across the nation, some families carry a very special tradition - the tradition of fostering. These generational foster parents have passed down their passion for helping children from one generation to the next, creating a lasting legacy of...

Mental health is just as important as physical health. At the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP), we provide professional mental health services to help children, teens, and families facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Our goal...

One of the most common questions we hear is:"Can I afford to be a foster parent?" This is a very real and honest concern - and the good news is: you don’t have to do it alone. When you open your home to a child in foster care, you are not expected to carry the...

Separating fact from fiction to better support children in need Foster care plays a vital role in helping children and teens who cannot safely live with their families. But there are many misconceptions about what foster care is, who foster parents are, and...

Foster care is one of the most rewarding - and emotional - experiences a person can have. Many prospective foster parents worry about one thing: What if I become too attached? This fear is not uncommon, and it’s rooted in love. It shows how deeply you care. But...

Foster Care, Independence Day, and the True Meaning of Freedom  On July 4th, 2025, Americans will gather and celebrate our nation’s freedom and independence. Across the country, people will gather for fireworks, music, parades, and...

Foster care isn’t just about providing a temporary place to stay - it’s about offering healing, hope, and a path forward. For many children, foster care can be a therapeutic experience that helps them rebuild trust, feel safe, and begin to thrive. Here’s why foster...

The foster care system is a system that helps protect children and teens who cannot live safely with their families. When a child’s home is unsafe – because of abuse, neglect, or other serious issues – a judge may decide that the child needs to be placed in foster care. From there, caring adults step in to give that child a safe, supportive home while long-term plans are made.