MOST FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FOSTER PARENT PROGRAM

Q: Can I choose the child I want to foster?

A: Yes.  During the home study you will be able to specify the number of children you wish to foster along with the ages and sex.  You will receive the opportunity to hear about the child from the licensing worker and the caseworker before making a decision to take the child into your home.  Once you decide on taking the child, you would meet the caseworker at the Children’s Shelter.

Q: How many children may I have in my home?

A: Five, including your own (under the age of 18).

Q: How long will it take to get a placement and how long will the child stay in my home?

A: Varies.  The length of a child stays in your home depends on many things.  Decisions made by the family courts, progress of the parents rehabilitation, relative placement searches, etc.. The average stay for a child in South Carolina in 24 months.  Usually it is several months and it is hard to say whether it will be short or long term in the beginning.

Q: Which school would a foster child attend?

A: The school in your district, unless there are unusual circumstances which are prearranged with the foster parents or if the child is special needs and needs to attend the SC School for the Deaf and Blind or the Charles Lea Center.

Q: Does each child need his/her own bedroom?

A: No. Each child in care shall be provided with his/her own storage space and bed.  Children under one year of age can share a bedroom with the foster parents (children who sleep in a crib).  Children of opposite sex who sleep in the same bed must be limited to siblings under the age of four years.  Children of opposite sex sleeping in the same room must be limited to children under the age of four years of age.  The top level of the bunk beds shall not be used for children under the age of six years.

Q: What is the Children’s Shelter?

A: The Children’s Shelter is an emergency residential home in Spartanburg that provides a temporary home for up to 21 children.  The location is kept confidential.  Most children are taken to the Shelter when they are placed into protective custody by the police or Family Courts.

Q: Does the Department of Social Services provide daycare for foster children?

A: Yes.  Both foster parents must work a minimum of 30 hours of week to qualify for the ABC vouchers for childcare.

Q: Do I have to meet the biological parents?

A: No.  You are not required to have any contact with the parents.  Confidentiality should be maintained at all times.  The caseworkers are responsible for arranging visitation.  Foster parents should never arrange visits with the biological parents.  Children generally visit twice per month.

Q: Do children move around a lot?

A: We try to minimize disruptions.  Sometimes children may “act out” and foster parents may not be able with this. Sometimes placements don’t work out for other reasons.  Foster parents may request removal; however, commitment to children is very important.

Q: Do foster children get free lunches?

A: Yes.

Q: How long does it take to be licensed as a foster parent?

A: Three or four months.

Q: Can foster parents work?

A: Yes.  Employment outside of the home is permissible as long as a child care arrangements are made.

Q: Can the foster children go on family trips?

A: Usually the answer is yes.  You would need to notify the caseworker of the whereabouts of your trip and length of your stay.  You should also need to leave a telephone number where you can be reached.  You will need to notify the caseworker at  least two weeks   in advance.  If the trip is out of state, the County Director must sign for permission.  Caseworkers have to staff all trips with the placement planning team for approval.