Ready to start the process of becoming a licensed foster parent?

You have decided that a role in foster care is a calling. You have felt the tug to care for those who have no one to care for them. Your question is, "What role am I to play in the family of individuals who serve together on behalf of children?" For some, this may mean becoming a licensed foster parent. For others, it means opening your home to become a licensed respite provider. You may wish to become a foster parent through our Transitional Foster Care for Unaccompanied Children program.

There are many roles available to those families or individuals who want to help children. Click here for some ways to help. There are over 300 children in need of a foster home in the state of South Carolina. We are here to walk alongside you as you care for these precious children.

South Carolina: If you live in the Upstate, Midlands or Low Country areas of South Carolina, contact Chase Pennell at (864) 420-9963 or cpennell@lscarolinas.net. If you live in the PeeDee Region including Rock Hill, Lancaster, and Myrtle Beach areas of South Carolina, contact Amy McColl at (843) 487-7225 or amccoll@lscarolinas.net. If you would live in the Columbia area and want to learn more about our Transitional Foster Care for Unaccompanied Children program, you can call 803-849-4009 or email UCinfo@lscarolinas.net. You can also find information about this program here.

North Carolina: In the Charlotte, NC area, contact Geoffrey Brooks at 704-940-3328 or GBrooks@lscarolinas.net. In the Raleigh, NC area, contact Carmen Abreu-Riley at (919) 861-2804 or CAbreu-Riley@lscarolinas.net.

For inquiries about IAFT (Intensive Alternative Family Treatment), contact Timothy Jones at (757) 358-1575 or TJones@LSCarolinas.net.

Why should I become a foster parent?

Reason 1: Foster parenting actually does change lives.

A sense of worth is important to everyone, no matter what age. Letting a child know that he or she is valued, loved, and truly cared for makes a difference. Taking on a significant role as a Foster Parent in North or South Carolina can mean the difference between true life change and just another placement.

Reason 2: Foster parenting teaches life lessons

From birth to old age we never stop learning. You will have an opportunity to teach life lessons to your Foster Child. You in turn will be changed yourself when you genuinely open your heart to what you can learn from giving to a child. You can take a step of faith. It takes courage to be a Foster Parent. When you see a Foster Child try to trust and love again, you will understand the meaning of courage.

Reason 3: Too few homes for older children

Foster families are scarce for children who are 12 years old or older. "It is too risky, too scary," people say. What if that child were you? What if you took that courageous step and decided that a child is more important than your fear?

Reason 4: Children need you

Each child deserves the opportunity to live a life without violence, confusion, chaos and fear.

There are children, right now, waiting for you to call and start the process towards becoming a licensed foster parent. Be the change you want to see in the world.

In South Carolina, Chase Pennell and Amy McColl are available to walk with you through each step of the licensing process.

If you live in the Upstate, Midlands or Low Country areas of South Carolina, contact Chase Pennell at (864) 420-9963 or cpennell@lscarolinas.net.

If you live in the PeeDee Region including Rock Hill, Lancaster, and Myrtle Beach areas of South Carolina, contact Amy McColl at (843) 487-7225 or amccoll@lscarolinas.net.

In North Carolina, Geoffrey Brooks and Carmen Abreu-Riley are available to walk with you through each step of the licensing process.

If you live in the Charlotte area, contact Geoffrey Brooks at 704-940-3328 or GBrooks@lscarolinas.net.

If you live in the Raleigh area, contact Carmen Abreu-Riley at 919-832-2620 or CAbreu-Riley@lscarolinas.net.

Exploring Your Foster Care Options

You might be saying to yourself, "What if we have never done Foster Care before? What if we just want to explore our options about becoming a foster parent in North or South Carolina? I mean, I just want to talk about foster parenting and what might work best for our particular family dynamic. Can we do that without any obligation?"

Absolutely! We totally get that. We understand that foster parenting is a commitment, so we want to make sure you understand as much as possible on the front end. We want to be totally transparent with you. So, yes, let's talk and explore your options together.

Start Exploring