Foster Care
What is Foster Care?
When a child is removed from their family due to abuse or neglect, they need a stable and loving foster family to care for them. The intent of foster care is to temporarily protect children in a healthy and stable environment when they cannot remain safely in their family home. The goal of foster care is reunification with the family. Although foster homes are designed to be temporary, the love and care a child receives there will last a lifetime.
Types of Foster Homes
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Regular Foster Home - A foster home that has met all the DSS and Crosswell requirements to have a child or children in their home for an unspecified period of time to act as a parent(s) when the child(ren) are unable to be in the home of their family.
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Respite Home - A fully licensed foster home that provides short-term relief care for a foster child(ren) in another foster home or residential group home.
OVER 4,000 CHILDREN
IN FOSTER CARE IN S.C.
2,800 FOSTER HOMES.
YOU CAN HELP
Why foster with Crosswell?
We believe that one of our roles as believers in Christ is to provide a safe haven for the fatherless and those in need. We believe that upon belief in Jesus Christ, we are accepted as adopted sons and daughters with the responsibility to show the same saving grace to the lost and broken (Romans 8:14-17).
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As a means of meeting a growing need in our community and state, John K. Crosswell Home for Children established a foster care program with the same mission and goals as its heart. Our fostering program is designed to meet the needs of children ages birth to 21. Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing home where children can grow and meet their fullest potential. Crosswell’s foster care program provides qualified foster parents with the training, tools, and support they need to make a difference in the lives of children. We are currently licensing families in Sumter, Greenville, and surrounding counties.
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As a Christian organization, Crosswell Home for Children’s foster care services are administered in a faith-based environment. However, the need for loving foster parents in our state is immense, and we are happy to help refer you to another wonderful organization to help with your foster care journey if we are not the best fit for you.
Helpful information about Fostering
Foster Children need parents who can ...
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Accept their sense of loss and need to heal
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Be self-confident, but not afraid to ask for help or support when needed
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Work with social workers, teachers, therapists, and community partners
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Keep them connected to their family and community (when possible)
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Support their racial and cultural diversity
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Learn to help them manage their trauma
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Be compassionate, open-minded, and flexible
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Advocate for the children whom we serve
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Actively participate in all aspects of care (schooling, counseling, medical care, court dates, etc.)
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Treat foster children with the same privileges and rights as you would/do your own children
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Assist foster children in pursuing their passions and talents
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Be a source of nurturing care, persistent involvement, and ceaseless encouragement to the children in your home
Requirements for Foster Parents
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Be at least 21 years old
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Be financially stable enough to support an additional child in your home
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Have supportive character references
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Be in good physical and mental health
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Satisfy background screening requirements
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Pass a fire and health inspection
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Complete 14 hours of pre-licensing training and an additional 15 hours of training annually
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Complete a home study
What can I expect from Crosswell?
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To follow up with concerns or questions promptly
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To maintain your confidentiality
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To be available to you by phone or in person in times of need
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To be honest in sharing information
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To keep you informed of trainings and resources available to you
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To advocate on your behalf
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To provide reasonable access to our services, facilities, and resources needed to care for the children in your home
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To walk you through each step of licensure and re-licensure
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To be a constant source of support and encouragement to your family
Want to learn more?
If you are ready to begin the licensing process to become a foster parent, please complete our interest form above.
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If you want to learn more about our foster care program,
we encourage you to give us a call or send us an email. We will schedule a consultation to discuss the application process and answer any questions you might have.
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Please contact our Director of Child and Family Services, Kelly Rowell,
at (803) 774-2761 or krowell@crosswellhome.org