Charleston Adoption & Foster Care Resources

Whether you are interested in adopting a child or are considering placing your baby for adoption in Charleston, South Carolina, you may have a number of questions about how to start the adoption process. The following provides information about local adoption agencies, home study providers and other adoption and foster care services in Charleston.
Additional resources for expectant mothers and adoptive parents throughout the state can be found on our adoption in South Carolina page.

Charleston Adoption Agencies and Adoption Professionals

Whether you are ready to begin the adoption process or are simply looking for more adoption information, local adoption professionals can be great resources for the services and support you need. The following adoption agencies and attorneys are located in Charleston and can help you with every step of the South Carolina adoption process:

• The Law Offices of James Fletcher Thompson, LLC
• Lifeline Children’s Services
• The Law Office of Stephen L. Fowler
• R Glenn Lister, Jr. Attorney at Law
• Lowndes & Barrett, LLC

Become a Foster Parent in Charleston

Parents looking to adopt an older child or provide temporary care may want to look into foster care options in Charleston. To be a foster parent in Charleston, you will need to meet all state requirements for foster parents and complete the home study process. For information about foster care and foster adoption in Charleston and throughout the rest of the state, visit our South Carolina adoption page.
You may also learn more about the process by contacting a local foster care professional:

• The Bair Foundation
• Neighbor to Family, Inc.
• Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth
• South Carolina Department of Social Services

Completing the Home Study in Charleston

The home study is the process in which a social worker reviews your home and family to ensure you are ready to adopt or foster a child. This process consists of background checks, a home inspection, interviews and documentation.
Information about home study laws and requirements in South Carolina is included with our South Carolina adoption information. When you are ready to begin the home study process, contact one of the following South Carolina-licensed professionals:

• Adoption Matters, Inc. (SC)
  843-480-2111
  Adoption Matters, Inc. is a nonprofit child placing agency licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina. The agency offers home studies and post-placement supervision in addition to options counseling, stepparent adoptions and supportive counseling for all members of the adoption triad.
• Carolina Adoption Services
  800-632-9312
  Carolina Adoption Services (CAS) is licensed to provide adoption home study services in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about South Carolina home study providers.

Hospitals in Charleston

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, a crucial part of your adoption plan will be preparation for your hospital stay. If you are pursuing adoption for your child, you can work with your adoption specialist and healthcare provider to plan the kind of delivery experience you want.
When you are ready to make your hospital plan, here are some nearby hospitals in Charleston that you may be working with:

• Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
  2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive
  Charleston, SC 29414
  843-402-1000
• MUSC Women’s Care
  135 Cannon Street
  Charleston, SC 29425
  843-792-5300
• East Cooper Medical Center
  2000 Hospital Drive
  Pleasant, SC 29464
  843-881-0100

Adoption Laws and Qualifications

When pursuing an adoption, potential birth parents and adoptive families must abide by all South Carolina adoption laws to ensure the adoption is legally recognized. If you are adopting or placing a child in Charleston, visit our page on How to Adopt in South Carolina for detailed information about this process.
Below, you can find a brief overview of consent laws for birth parents and adoption eligibility for adoptive parents.
For Birth Parents
After the birth of a child, both birth parents must consent to have their parental rights terminated before the child can be adopted. Information about consent and relinquishment, as well as paternity laws and other important adoption information, can be found here.
For Adoptive Families
Before pursuing adoption in Charleston, South Carolina families should review the state’s basic adoption requirements. State laws also impact other areas of the adoption, including expenses that may be paid, finalization requirements, and more. These laws for adoptive families are available here.
County Courts
The final step in the legal adoption process is finalization. If you are finalizing your adoption in Charleston, South Carolina, you can find information on the county courts in your area below:

• Berkeley County
• Charleston County
• Dorchester County

Things to do in Charleston

If you are adopting from out of state, you must remain in the birth mother’s state for 7–10 business days after placement. This allows time for the necessary legal clearances so you can take your baby home. In the meantime, you can visit some of the following locations and attractions in Charleston:

• Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
• Charleston Waterfront Park
• Battery & White Point Gardens
• Middleton Place
• St. Michael’s Church