Linking Children with Families Adoption Album

ADOPTION PRESERVATION

     The Department of Social Services Adoption Preservation Program congratulates you on your choice to adopt one or more of South Carolina’s children. We are grateful for families who are committed to providing a home to a waiting child, and we hope that all is going well with your family.

     Adoption affects families in many ways. Sometimes families experience difficulties even after an adoption is final. We are aware that you may need services.

     You may ask for Adoption Preservation services. The services range from providing information and making referrals to assisting with respite care. The purpose of these family-centered services is to support families while they identify their own problems and how they want to deal with them. Adoption preservation staff are well acquainted with the questions and adoption issues that you may experience over time.

SERVICES IN YOUR REGION MAY INCLUDE

• Information and Referral - Families often need information regarding adoption issues and child development, medical problems, community resources and financial issues. Families may request or the adoption specialist may suggest referrals to other agencies or professionals for further assistance.
   
• Case Management - Families may want regular contact with an Adoption Preservation specialist to help them through a difficult time. The family and the specialist determine what ongoing services may be needed, and a plan is developed.
   
• Advocacy - Children and families sometimes need to help others understand issues affecting their family. Adoption Preservation specialists may be available to attend meetings or staffings or simply made a telephone contact with or for you.
   
• Education - Adoption Preservation specialists are aware of issues in the educational system affecting children identified with special needs. Parents are connected with agencies that provide training, information and other parent support related educational services. An adoption specialist may be included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) staffing.
   
• Therapy - The Adoption Preservation specialist in your Region will assist you in finding providers who have experience with adoption issues. Many families discover that the effort by the specialist to individualize and understand their specific needs is also therapeutic.
   
• Respite - Children and families need a break sometimes - before they reach the breaking point. Many times families can identify the need for respite before things are out of control. Respite can range from a few hours to a few days depending on the need and the availability. Respite care services are available statewide on a limited basis. The agency may be able to pay the cost if the child was adopted while in the custody of South Carolina, and there is a current medical subsidy agreement in place. The Adoption Preservation specialist in your regional office can help you with this information.
   
• Parent Mentoring - Parents can be connected with other parents who can help them. The agency also has found other referral sources to support you with this service.
   
• Residential Treatment - Problems can arise when a temporary out-of-home placement is necessary for a child to receive an inpatient level of treatment. DSS might be able to pay the cost if the child was adopted while in the custody of South Carolina and a current medical subsidy agreement is in place. Your regional adoption office will guide you in the application and referral process.
   
• Support Groups - A support group is composed of adoptive families. For some families, this is their only way to share with other people with the same problems. Contact the regional office for your county to see if adoption support groups are available in your area. Your specialist also can assist you in identifying possible groups through private providers.
   
• Crisis Intervention - Parents often contact the agency when they are in crisis and need immediate support to get through a bad time or need help while making a difficult decision.
   
• Family Retreats - In conjunction with 4-H Leadership Center of Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, "Family Strengthening Weekends" are offered for interested adoptive families. Information about retreats provided by private agencies also is available as we are notified.

For additional information, please contact the regional office in your county of residence.

Area Adoption Offices

Area A

714 North Pleasantburg Drive
Suite 300
Greenville, S.C. 29607
(864) 241-1070 / 1-800-868-6595
Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties

454 South Anderson Road
Rock Hill, S.C. 29730
(803) 329-9626 / 1-800-922-1537
Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Union and York counties


Area B

Children's Center of South Carolina
2638 Two Notch Road, Suite 220
Columbia, S.C. 29204
(803) 929-2555 / 1-888-711-7095
Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Kershaw, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Richland, Saluda and Sumter counties

Aiken DSS Office
P.O. Drawer 1268
Aiken, S.C. 29802-1268
(803) 502-1826 / 1-888-866-8852
Aiken and Barnwell counties


Area C

3346 Rivers Avenue
Suite F
North Charleston, S.C. 29405
(843) 953-9750 / 1-800-922-1518
Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties

Orangeburg DSS Office
P.O. Box 1087
Orangeburg, S.C. 29116-1087
(803) 515-1846
Bamberg, Dorchester, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties


Area D

181 East Evans Street, Suite 112
Florence, S.C. 29501
(843) 661-2495 / 1-800-763-6637
Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties

OTHER AGENCIES THAT MAY ASSIST YOU

PRO-PARENTS - Parents Reaching Out to Parents of South Carolina is a private nonprofit organization that provides information and training to assist parents in making decisions about their child’s education. The focus is on children with disabilities that impact learning. To contact PRO- PARENTS, call (803) 779-3859 in Columbia or 1-800-759-4776 statewide.

FAMILY CONNECTION - Family Connection is a support network for families who have children of all ages with special needs. They offer: support groups, family social events, workshops, a newsletter and information. In Columbia call (803) 252-0914 or 1-800-578-8750 statewide.

South Carolina Council on Adoptable Children (COAC) offers local adoptive parent support groups, a buddy system and a quarterly publication providing information about various adoption activities. It also offers adoption information seminars. Call 1-800-374-9710 or 1-888-515-2622.

South Carolina Services Information System (SCSIS) is the central source of information on services available in South Carolina for persons with disabilities. Trained and caring information specialists will listen to you, help identify your needs and locate service providers in an area close to you. In Columbia call (803) 955-5300 or 1-800-922-1107 statewide.

Adoption is a lifelong journey for your child and for your family. We wish you continued growth in your knowledge, understanding and experience. If we may be of service now or in the future, please contact the regional office in your county of residence.

For more information on adoption in South Carolina, please call 1-888-CARE-4-US.

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