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Last Updated: October 6, 2009

South Carolina

State Coordinator(s)

South Carolina Department of Social Services
Helen Pridgen
Independent Living Coordinator
P.O. Box 1520
1535 Confederate Avenue
Columbia, SC 29202-1520
Phone: (803) 898-7571
Fax: (803) 898-7641
Email: Helen.Pridgen@dss.sc.gov

2009 Chafee Allocation

$1,374,514

2009 ETV Allocation

$462,207

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2006)

819

State's Chafee Mission Statement

Information is currently unavailable.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

Any youth in foster care, ages 13 - 21, and any youth who was in foster care at age 18 and is not yet 21, is eligible for services.

What is the State's Definition of Room and Board?

Information is currently unavailable.

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

21

No additional information is available.

Under what Conditions Can a Youth Remain in Care Beyond 18?

By signing an agreement with the agency to remain in care while in school or vocational training or due to a disabling condition that places youth at risk and remaining in care is in the youth's best interest.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

Yes

Youth who were in foster care and Medicaid-eligible on their 18th birthday and have not yet reached age 21 continue to be eligible for Medicaid benefits until their 21st birthday (as long as funds are available), if they are not eligible under any other Medicaid coverage group.  

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

Some foster parents and biological parents sign for youth to obtain licenses - youth may also reach an age they can sign for themselves.  Services through the Independent Living program include financial assistance with driver's education when youth are unable to access through school or other means, license fees, and vehicle repairs when vehicle is the youth's name.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

Yes

Foster youth have priority status with South Carolina's Need Based Grants.  Awards can range up to $4500 yearly.

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

GOALL is the Youth State Advisory Committee composed of foster youth and former foster youth.  GOALL youth participate in workshops and meetings to prepare youth for leadership and decision making.  GOALL has been effective in pursuing legislation, providing recommendations for program changes and additions, and developing publications, including the Foster Child's Bill of Rights.