Opening your heart and home to a child in need is a powerful calling. If you’re in Columbia or the Midlands, there’s a strong network of agencies, services, and community partners ready to help. Whether you’re considering fostering short-term or building a forever family through adoption, these resources can inform you about what’s available.
Getting Started
Heartfelt Calling
Helps with licensing, paperwork, and orientation for prospective foster or adoptive parents in South Carolina.
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Phone: 888‑828‑3555
South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) — Midlands Region
Handles adoption applications, foster licensing, and ongoing resources.
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Address: 2638 Two Notch Rd, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29204
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Phone: 888‑711‑7095
Financial & Subsidy Support
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Adoption Assistance / Subsidy – Monthly payments, medical support, reimbursement of non-recurring costs for families adopting from foster care.
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Supplemental Benefit for Medical Assistance (SBMA) – Medical support for children with special needs.
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Non-recurring Costs – Reimbursement for court fees, travel, legal expenses, etc.
Local Support & Community
- Richland County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association – A nonprofit supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers in Richland County.
- Thornwell – Provides foster family licensing and support across South Carolina, including Lexington & Richland Counties. Read one family’s personal story.
- Columbia Foster & Adoption Project – Offers community events, care kits, and ongoing support for foster and adoptive families.
- SC Heart Gallery – A public exhibit featuring children in foster care waiting for adoption.
Specialized Foster & Therapeutic Programs
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SC Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP) – Therapeutic foster care, behavioral health services, and youth support.
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SAFY of South Carolina – Trauma-informed foster care and family support in Columbia and surrounding areas.
Advocacy & Additional Resources
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Department of Children’s Advocacy (DCA) Resource Library – Links to foster parent licensure, kinship care resources, and abuse reporting.
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Lexington County Foster Parent Association – Local support group and training opportunities.
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Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter – Safe environment and services for children in crisis.
Why These Resources Matter
Foster care and adoption are life-changing experiences. Columbia offers a wide variety of resources to support families — from financial assistance and therapeutic care to community groups and advocacy programs. These organizations help ensure children have safe, loving homes and families have the tools they need to thrive.
