Blog

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.

Every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive. But for children who enter foster care, how it affects them can be complicated and the journey to healthy development often begins with deep challenges. Understanding how foster care impacts a child’s development – and the vital role foster parents play – can help to shed light on just how powerful a loving home can be.

When you hear the words foster care, you may wonder who it’s really for. The answer is simple – but powerful. Foster care exists for children and teens who cannot safely live with their families. It provides a safe, stable, and supportive home for those going through some of the hardest times in their lives.

Every May, National Foster Care Month reminds us of the more than 380,000 children and youth currently in foster care across the United States. It's a time to raise awareness, honor foster parents and advocates, and reflect on the needs and hopes of children who have...

When a child faces tough times, the right support can make all the difference. That’s where the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP) comes in. As a private nonprofit organization, SCYAP is dedicated to helping children and families all across South Carolina. With a heart for service and a mission focused on hope, SCYAP provides life-changing programs that help young people and families to heal, grow, and succeed.

Every April, communities across the United States observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect, and to promote strategies for keeping children safe. This month serves as a crucial reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and nurture all children – especially those in the foster care system who have already experienced trauma.

Before Social Work Month officially ends, we wanted to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers in South Carolina communities, and across the country. In case you missed our first Social Work Month blog, this year’s theme, “Social Work: Compassion + Action,” highlights the dedication, empathy, and advocacy that social workers bring to their profession. Social workers do more than provide services—they are fierce advocates for individuals, families, and communities, working to create a more just and supportive society.

Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing opportunity to provide love, stability, and care to children in need. If you have ever considered fostering a child in South Carolina, you might be wondering about the process and what it takes to qualify. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to become a foster parent in South Carolina.

When children enter foster care, they are often faced with uncertainty and change. They may be placed in new homes, adjust to different caregivers, and attend unfamiliar schools. One of the most difficult aspects of this transition is the possibility of being separated from their siblings. For many children in foster care, their siblings are their closest connection to family, providing comfort, security, and a sense of belonging. Keeping sibling groups together whenever possible is crucial for their emotional well-being, stability, and overall development.

When people hear the term “therapeutic foster care,” they sometimes assume it means something intimidating or beyond their capabilities. The truth is, therapeutic foster care is simply about providing extra support, patience, and love to children who need it most. If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent but have hesitated because of concerns about therapeutic care, this blog will help clear up misconceptions and show you why there’s nothing to fear.