The bill S. 415 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to improve the framework for kinship foster care and adoption. Key changes include the addition of the term "licensed" in Section 63-7-20, which clarifies the approval process for caregivers, and modifications to Section 63-9-1110 that allow for the adoption of children placed with relatives or fictive kin by waiving certain requirements unless directed by the court. The bill also lowers the minimum age for kinship foster parents from twenty-one to eighteen in Section 63-7-2320, enabling younger relatives to foster under specific conditions, and allows the Department of Social Services to apply different licensing standards for relatives and fictive kin.

Additionally, the bill removes limitations on the number of therapeutic foster care placements for kinship foster care, promoting flexibility in child care arrangements. It establishes that unlicensed relatives or fictive kin can be placed with children if it serves the child's best interests, provided they begin the licensing process promptly. The bill also permits placements with caregivers who have past criminal convictions under certain conditions, ensuring that safety elements like background checks remain mandatory. Overall, S. 415 aims to enhance the support and legal standing of kinship foster care providers while ensuring the safety and well-being of children in these arrangements.

Statutes affected:
03/04/2025: 63-7-20, 63-9-1110, 63-7-2320, 63-7-2350, 63-7-2400
03/26/2025: 63-7-20, 63-9-1110, 63-7-2320, 63-7-2350, 63-7-2400
03/28/2025: 63-7-20, 63-9-1110, 63-7-2320, 63-7-2350, 63-7-2400
02/03/2026: 63-7-20, 63-9-1110, 63-7-2320, 63-7-2350, 63-7-2400
Latest Version: 63-7-20, 63-9-1110, 63-7-2320, 63-7-2350, 63-7-2400