This publication summarizes state laws and statutes regarding placement of children with relatives when they are removed from their home and enter foster care. In order for states to receive federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance, federal law requires that they "consider giving preference to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver when determining placement for a child, provided that the relative caregiver meets all relevant state child protection standards." Most states give preference or priority to relative placements in their statutes. This publication discusses definitions of "relative," financial support for relative placement, and adoption by relatives.
South Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives is a legal process that focuses on placing children who are removed from their birth parents' custody into the care of their relatives or kinship caregivers. This procedure is designed to prioritize the child's safety, well-being, and maintaining a sense of stability within their family network. The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees the Placement of Children With Relatives program and ensures that it aligns with state laws and regulations. The goal is to provide a nurturing environment for children by placing them with family members who can effectively meet their physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Under the South Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives, there are various types of placements that can occur based on the specific circumstances of the child and their relatives. These placements include: 1. Kinship Foster Care: In situations where the child is at risk or has been removed from their birth parent's care, they may be placed with a relative or kinship caregiver who is willing and able to provide a safe and stable home. Kinship foster care allows the child to maintain a connection with their family while addressing any concerns related to abuse, neglect, or parental substance abuse. 2. Kinship Legal Guardianship: In cases where it is determined that the child cannot be safely returned to their birth parents, kinship legal guardianship may be considered. This type of placement grants the relative or kinship caregiver legal rights and responsibilities for the child's overall well-being and allows for a more permanent family arrangement. The relative assumes decision-making powers and is responsible for providing the child with a stable and loving home. 3. Adoptive Placement with Relatives: When the parental rights of the birth parents have been terminated, and adoption is the best long-term solution for the child, the child may be placed with relatives who are willing to adopt them. This ensures that the child remains connected to their family network while finding a forever home where they can thrive. 4. Relative Placement with Visitation: This type of placement occurs when the child is temporarily placed with a relative or kinship caregiver, with ongoing visitation arranged between the birth parents and the child. It allows the child to maintain a relationship with their birth family, while also ensuring their safety and well-being. The South Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives program emphasizes the importance of preserving family connections and providing a nurturing environment for children who cannot remain in their birth parents' care. It recognizes the critical role that relatives and kinship caregivers can play in providing a stable, loving, and familiar environment that fosters a child's growth and development.South Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives is a legal process that focuses on placing children who are removed from their birth parents' custody into the care of their relatives or kinship caregivers. This procedure is designed to prioritize the child's safety, well-being, and maintaining a sense of stability within their family network. The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees the Placement of Children With Relatives program and ensures that it aligns with state laws and regulations. The goal is to provide a nurturing environment for children by placing them with family members who can effectively meet their physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Under the South Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives, there are various types of placements that can occur based on the specific circumstances of the child and their relatives. These placements include: 1. Kinship Foster Care: In situations where the child is at risk or has been removed from their birth parent's care, they may be placed with a relative or kinship caregiver who is willing and able to provide a safe and stable home. Kinship foster care allows the child to maintain a connection with their family while addressing any concerns related to abuse, neglect, or parental substance abuse. 2. Kinship Legal Guardianship: In cases where it is determined that the child cannot be safely returned to their birth parents, kinship legal guardianship may be considered. This type of placement grants the relative or kinship caregiver legal rights and responsibilities for the child's overall well-being and allows for a more permanent family arrangement. The relative assumes decision-making powers and is responsible for providing the child with a stable and loving home. 3. Adoptive Placement with Relatives: When the parental rights of the birth parents have been terminated, and adoption is the best long-term solution for the child, the child may be placed with relatives who are willing to adopt them. This ensures that the child remains connected to their family network while finding a forever home where they can thrive. 4. Relative Placement with Visitation: This type of placement occurs when the child is temporarily placed with a relative or kinship caregiver, with ongoing visitation arranged between the birth parents and the child. It allows the child to maintain a relationship with their birth family, while also ensuring their safety and well-being. The South Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives program emphasizes the importance of preserving family connections and providing a nurturing environment for children who cannot remain in their birth parents' care. It recognizes the critical role that relatives and kinship caregivers can play in providing a stable, loving, and familiar environment that fosters a child's growth and development.
