Florence County Celebrates Adoption of 19 Children into Loving Families

Florence County Welcomes 19 Children into Forever Homes!

Florence County, S.C. is buzzing with joy as 19 children have officially found their forever homes. This heartwarming news comes after their adoption hearings were finalized on Monday at the Florence County Judicial Center, marking a special occasion not just for the children but for the entire community! November is recognized as National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness about adoption and encourage families to consider opening their hearts and homes to kids in need.

The State of Adoption in South Carolina

According to recent reports, there are about 140 children in South Carolina’s foster care system who are legally free for adoption and actively looking for their permanent place to call home. Among the youth, nearly 100 of them are aged between 10 to 17—often the children who need their forever families the most. The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is working diligently alongside community partners to help these children find suitable families that cater to their unique needs.

Making a Difference in Children’s Lives

This year’s theme for National Adoption Month is “Youth Voices: Why Family Matters”, and it focuses on the importance of stable family connections for older youth and teens. Michael Leach, the DSS State Director, expressed the heartfelt sentiment behind this initiative: “Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a home where they feel safe, loved, and protected.” He pointed out the sad reality that younger children are often adopted more frequently while older youth tend to linger in foster care, leaving them vulnerable as they age out of the system. “We want to change that and help youth secure stable connections to become independent, productive adults.”

Governor’s Proclamation and Adoption Day

In celebration of Adoption Month, Governor Henry McMaster has declared November as Adoption Month and specifically recognized November 25th as Adoption Day in South Carolina. This special day is when the SC Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty hosts day-long hearings to finalize adoptions across different judicial circuits. This year, around 80 children are scheduled to be adopted by 60 loving families in courts located in regions such as Florence, Anderson, Charleston, Horry, and Sumter Counties.

Community Call to Action

Governor McMaster urged local families to reflect on the possibility of adoption, stating, “A loving home can make all the difference to a child’s future.” South Carolina is filled with compassionate individuals who genuinely care about their neighbors. Therefore, the call is clear for folks to consider whether adopting a child could be an option for their family.

Joy in the Adoption Process

Judge FitzLee H. McEachin of the S.C. Family Court shared his excitement about overseeing adoption hearings. “It’s a day when everybody comes together,” he said, emphasizing that everyone leaves with joy in their hearts. “What we’re doing is bringing families together and giving children a chance at a life they may not have otherwise had.”

Getting Involved: How to Become a Forever Family

So, how can a family take those first steps toward adopting? Here are five steps provided by SCDSS to help you through the process:

1. Explore online profiles of waiting children at SCDSS Adoptions, the SC Heart Gallery, and AdoptUSKids.
2. Submit an inquiry; SCDSS has improved response times, providing feedback within three days.
3. If approved for adoption, receive match notifications within two weeks.
4. Finalize the selection of the potential match with a child within 30 days.
5. Stay engaged with available resources to support your journey.

To find more information about South Carolina’s waiting children, families can follow the provided links through SCDSS. Remember, adopting a child is about creating lifelong memories, and making a tremendous impact on someone’s life!