Parties to An Adoption

South Carolina

• Any South Carolina resident may adopt.

• A non-resident may adopt:

o A special needs child

o If the child is being placed with a relative

o If the adopter is a member of the military

o A legally freed child in foster care

Any child present within the State at the time the petition is filed

• A parent

• The department

• A child-placing agency

Schedule of Hearings
Citation: §§ 40-11-12.1; 40-11-12.2
A permanency hearing shall be held:

• Within 12 months of the child's placement in care; at least every 12 months thereafter
• Within 30 days after a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify are not required

• All parties
• The foster parents
• Any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child

• The appropriateness of the service plan
• What services have been offered
• Any further efforts that will promote the best interests of the child

• Return to the parent
• Adoption
• Legal guardianship
• Placement with a fit and willing relative
• Another planned permanent living arrangement

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

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