We are thrilled you are eager to begin the ministry of foster care. It is a joy to know you desire to affect so many vulnerable children and their birth families with the Gospel. We are honored you have chosen Lifeline to help you reach this goal of fostering.

When we enter into a relationship with you, we are here to support, pray over, encourage, and equip you during each phase of your journey.

As God has called you to this ministry, we want to be your full-service, ongoing partner to enable you to fulfill His calling of family restoration.

Timeline for South Carolina Foster Care Licensure

1.Pre-Apply

Click here to complete the pre-application. If you are ready to learn more about the process of becoming a foster parent in the Lowcountry, please complete our foster care pre-application online and a member of our Lowcountry foster care team will reach out to you with next steps.

2.Attend an Info Meeting

Join an information meeting about foster care, family restoration & wrap around care.

3.Start Your Home Study

Your home study will begin with a Welcome Call and Orientation Interview before starting with your paperwork, in home consultations, and inspections.

4.Attend Training

Our two-day pre-service training is scheduled at least quarterly throughout the year. At any time in your process, you can register with us to attend this training. We utilize the state required training and infuse it with Gospel principles and discipleship to shepherd you on this journey.
Classes are 8:30am- 5:30pm. Both classes are required to attend.
Training Dates:
March 2nd & 9th
July 27th & August 3rd
October 5th & 12th
February 1st & 8th 2025

5.License Approval

Lifeline submits your portfolio to the state for licensure, then maintains your license and collaborates with DSS on child placement.

6.Wait for Placement

After you are approved from the state, the next step is to wait until you are placed with a child who needs your care and love of Christ.

More Resources

Download State Standards

This packet will provide you with all you need to know about the foster home standards in the state of South Carolina.

download standards
Licensure Overview

Click the link below to find out more about what it will take to be licensed in your state.

see overview
Informational Meetings

Fill out the non committal Pre-application to attend an online informational meeting about our foster care & family restoration ministry in South Carolina

register

Monthly Informational Meeting Schedule

South Carolina Foster Care & Family Restoration Info Meetings

There are more than 4,200 children in the foster care system in South Carolina, and only 2,600 licensed foster families. Lifeline provides foster care licensing services to families in Charleston,

Complete a Pre-Application Today!
Pre-Apply