Florence County Foster Care Center Celebrates 19 New Forever Families
Florence County, S.C. is buzzing with excitement! In a heartwarming event at the Florence County Judicial Center, 19 children have officially found their forever homes, as their adoption hearings were finalized on Monday. This joyous occasion is part of a larger celebration as November marks National Adoption Month. It’s a time to reflect on the importance of family and the bright futures that await many children awaiting adoption.
A Call for Families
According to the latest reports, there are about 140 children currently in South Carolina’s foster care system who are legally free for adoption and on the lookout for a nurturing family to call their own. Among these, nearly 100 children are aged between 10 to 17. This highlights a pressing need in our communities for loving families willing to open their hearts and homes to older youth.
The S.C. Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is hard at work partnering with local organizations to help find the perfect matches for these children. The national theme for this year, “Youth Voices: Why Family Matters,” underscores the importance of ensuring that every child has a safe and stable family connection, especially for older youth and teenagers who face the risk of aging out of the system.
A Family’s Wish
Michael Leach, the State Director of DSS, shared a touching sentiment: “Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a home where they feel safe, loved, and protected,” emphasizing that adopting older youth often comes with unique challenges, yet incredible rewards. “As an agency, we want to change that and help these young people secure stable connections to thrive as independent adults.”
That’s a powerful mission! To raise awareness, Governor Henry McMaster has declared November as Adoption Month in South Carolina, with Nov. 25th officially recognized as Adoption Day. On this special day, Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty has set aside time for courts across four judicial circuits to focus on finalizing adoptions, giving many families the joyous gift of togetherness.
Joy and Love Abound
On the big day, 80 children are scheduled to be adopted by 60 loving families in family courts located in Florence, Anderson, Charleston, Horry, and Sumter Counties. “A loving home can make all the difference to a child’s future,” said Governor McMaster, encouraging compassionate residents to consider adoption as a viable option for their families.
Eboni Wheeler, a new mom through adoption, shared her thrilling experience. “I’ve always wanted to adopt. It was an immediate need, and more love in our home just felt right,” said Wheeler after adopting a delightful one-year-old girl. Her story exemplifies how adoption can transform lives in beautiful ways.
A Heartfelt Ceremony
Family Court Judge FitzLee H. McEachin couldn’t hide his joy as he presided over the adoption hearings. “It’s a day when everybody comes together. Everyone leaves with smiles. We’re creating families, bringing children into homes they might not have had otherwise. It’s incredibly special,” he expressed.
Becoming a Forever Family
If you’re considering becoming a forever family, here’s how you can get started through SCDSS:
- Check out the profiles of South Carolina’s waiting children on SCDSS Adoptions, the SC Heart Gallery, and AdoptUSKids.
- Contact SCDSS to learn about the adoption process. They’ll get back to you within three days of your inquiry.
- If you’re already approved to adopt, SCDSS will notify you within two weeks if there’s a potential match with a child.
- The final decision on all potential matches is made within 30 days.
- Stay informed about upcoming adoption events and opportunities to connect with children in need of loving families.
For anyone wanting to learn more about making a life-changing difference in a child’s life, South Carolina’s waiting children are just a click away!
As hearts continue to expand in Florence County and beyond, let’s celebrate these milestones while advocating for every child’s right to a loving, welcoming home.
