The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) has launched a new initiative aimed at preventing children from entering foster care by supporting families in crisis before a formal removal is necessary. The program, known as the Community Pathway to Foster Care Prevention, is a collaboration between DSS and local community partners.
The initiative is designed to be a voluntary, non-investigative service for families who are struggling with issues that do not meet the legal threshold for a child’s removal, but still pose a risk to the family’s stability. Instead of waiting for a situation to escalate, the Community Pathway provides a direct line to support services.
Under this new model, families can be referred to the program by community-based organizations, schools, or even by self-referral. DSS then connects the family with a network of local service providers who can offer support for a range of issues, including:
- Housing instability
- Substance abuse challenges
- Mental health support
- Parenting assistance
The goal is to address the root causes of a family’s struggles, empowering them to create a safe and stable environment for their children. By providing these resources proactively, the program aims to reduce the number of child welfare investigations and foster care placements.
This new approach reflects a national trend in child welfare that prioritizes strengthening families and keeping children safely at home whenever possible. The program’s success will be measured by its ability to reduce foster care entries and improve family well-being across South Carolina.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
