What You Need To Know About South Carolina’s Foster Care Emergency

Over 3,400 children are in foster care in South Carolina, and some are staying in government offices because no homes are available. Rob, Herbie, and Ford discuss the need for families for teens and sibling groups, how to discern a call to foster, and practical ways to support foster families.

South Carolina has 3,432 children in foster care, and about 2,800 entered care last year, more than seven a day. Lifeline’s Lowcountry team needs 75 homes for sibling groups and 181 for children without siblings. The children who have waited longest are ages 8 and up, sibling groups, and kids with higher needs.
 In this episode, Rob, Herbie, and Ford discuss:

  • Why keeping siblings together and kids in their communities matters, and why safety always comes first
  • The fear of saying goodbye, and what James 1:27 says about caring for vulnerable children
  • Calling vs. feelings: how to discern whether God is leading you to foster
  • Practical first steps, starting with talking to your pastor and community group
  • Ways to support foster families through meals, encouragement, respite, and prayer

Ready to take a step? Visit lifelinechild.org/becomeafosterparent, call 205-967-0811, or follow Lifeline Child on social media. If you’re outside South Carolina, reach out and Lifeline will connect you with resources.

Creators & Guests

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and the need in South Carolina
01:00 The numbers
02:30 Why siblings stay together
04:15 Keeping kids in their county
05:45 The fear of saying goodbye
06:40 James 1:27 and God’s sovereignty
07:55 Called to foster vs. called to advocate
08:50 Teens who need homes
10:40 Discerning your calling
13:20 How to get started
15:45 Engaging the next generation
16:40 Wrapping around foster families
19:10 Small acts, big impact
20:45 Closing

foster care, South Carolina, foster parenting, adoption, Christian, ministry, child welfare, teens in foster care, sibling groups, Lifeline Children’s Services, orphan care, church, family, Defender Podcast