South Carolina Department of Social Services

03/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/09/2024 21:53

SCDSS Recognizes September as Kinship Care Month

SCDSS Recognizes September as Kinship Care Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of Communications & External Affairs

[email protected]
803-898-7602

September Recognized as Kinship Care Month in South Carolina

Sept. 3, 2024 - The Department of Social Services (DSS) celebrates Kinship Care Month in September as kinship care can offer a safe and stable environment for children in need. Kinship caregivers can be grandparents, aunts, uncles, other relatives, or family friends who are willing to step in to care for a youth when they cannot safely remain with their parents or caregivers. The latest available Kids Count data shows roughly six percent of all children in the state live in a household with a relative and no parent present.

September is a chance to celebrate all those who step in to support children and youth who might otherwise go into foster care. Agency numbers show nearly 27 percent of children in placement in South Carolina are in formally licensed kinship care settings.

"This month is dedicated to acknowledging the importance of kinship caregivers," said DSS State Director Michael Leach. "As we celebrate Kinship Care Month, let us take a moment to reflect on the selflessness, resilience, and love that kinship caregivers embody. Whether they are grandparents, aunts, uncles, or family friends, their dedication helps shape the future of the next generation."

For kinship caregivers, DSS has launched several new programs and resources, including:

  • Earlier this year, the state's new Kinship Guardianship Program (KinGAP) was implemented as another permanency option when reunification with the youth's parents or public adoption is not feasible for youth with an open foster care case. The program also provides needed monthly financial support to licensed caregivers to help meet the need for raising youth exiting foster care until adulthood.
  • DSS has also rolled out a new statewide Kinship Navigator Program which provides comprehensive supports to kinship caregivers involved with the agency. The ensures access to services that can enable youth in kinship care to flourish in all facets of their lives. The three Kinship Navigator programs in South Carolina include Middle Tyger Community Center, Epworth Children's Home and HALOS.
  • Visit Kinship SC,a collaboration between HALOS and SC Department of Social Services, serving kinship care families across South Carolina by providing links, information and resources and services for caregivers and the children they are raising.

In recognition of Kinship Care Month, a series of events are being planned throughout September:

  • 8th - DSS will celebrate Grandparents Day and encourage people to wear the color gold. Gold is the chosen color to represent the value of these caregivers and the fact many are often in their "golden years" when they take on these responsibilities.
  • Throughout September, DSS Licensing and Kinship Coordinators will be organizing and hosting a series of drop-ins in each region of the state to celebrate and thank kinship caregivers. More details will be announced soon!

Be sure to check out the DSS website for resources to support kinship caregivers in this state. To watch Director Leach's full message on Kinship Care Month, please click here.

# # #