Governor Henry McMaster announced on May 5 that South Carolina will participate in the national initiative ‘A Home for Every Child.’ The program is designed to improve the ratio of foster homes to children and youth in foster care, while also working to reduce entries into the system through preventive measures.
The announcement highlights ongoing efforts in South Carolina to support children and families, recruit and retain foster parents, strengthen community-based prevention services, and improve family preservation practices. These efforts align with Governor McMaster’s priorities of supporting South Carolinians through economic development, public safety, education, and heritage preservation, according to the official website.
“The month of May has been recognized each year in my administration as Foster Care Awareness Month, and this year is no exception. Foster parents play an essential role in serving our state’s children and youth when they cannot safely remain with their parents or caregivers,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “I applaud the Trump administration for bringing this critical initiative to states as an opportunity to make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. It is a chance to offer stability, hope, and the sense of belonging every young person deserves.”
Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams from the Administration for Children and Families said: “South Carolina’s decision to join ‘A Home for Every Child’ is a meaningful step toward ensuring every child grows up in a safe, loving, stable family.” Adams continued: “When states can create the conditions that prevent unnecessary entries into foster care, make it easier for families to become foster parents, and cut red tape to empower case managers, we drive better outcomes for children and families. The Trump administration is proud to partner with Governor McMaster…”
According to ACF data shared at the event by Adams: For every 100 children entering foster care nationwide there are only 57 licensed foster homes available—a shortage creating logistical challenges that impact consistency and stability.
Tony Catone, Director of South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), acknowledged DSS professionals’ efforts as well as those of caregivers: “Foster parents are a vital part of our state’s service… They are our kindred spirits in service… particularly including those that step up… through kinship care.” Catone added: “We need more foster homes in every county so children can be placed in their home communities. And our greatest need … remains family like foster homes that are committed … groups of siblings … medically complex youth.”
McMaster has served as governor since January 2017 after being elected as South Carolina’s 117th governor; he was re-elected in both 2018 and 2022 elections according to the official website. His office operates from Columbia at State House on Gervais Street.
This new effort supports President Trump’s Executive Order “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families” along with First Lady Melania Trump’s commitment towards improving outcomes for children within foster care systems.
South Carolina continues improvements such as reductions in entries into care using kin-first placements; progress under Michelle H. Federal Settlement Agreement; enhancements around safety metrics—all contributing toward better outcomes statewide.
