Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Foster Care - South Carolina
Youth's Parental Rights
Citation: Code of Regs. § 114-594(B)
The facility shall give children of custodial parents the opportunity and encouragement to maintain involvement with noncustodial parents.
Placement Options
Citation: Code of Regs. § 114-594(B)
Prenatal, postpartum, or parenting youth may be placed in a child care institution that is licensed to provide care to custodial parents or expectant mothers. The facility shall ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the children of custodial parents and provide care to those children in compliance with these regulations.
Health Services
Citation: Code of Regs. § 114-594(B)
An expectant mother shall be provided prenatal and postnatal care from a physician or a nurse-midwife. The facility shall ensure that the expectant mother gives birth in a medical facility.
Parent Preparation for Expectant Youth
Citation: Code of Regs. § 114-594(B)
The facility shall develop a care plan that includes goals and approaches for parenting skills instruction that includes all the following:
- Prenatal and other health-care services
- Child development
- Bathing and hygiene
- Child safety
- Child guidance and behavior management
Education and Services to Support Parenting Youth
Citation: Code of Regs. § 114-594(B)
The care plan shall also provide instruction on the following:
- Domestic violence issues, sudden infant death syndrome, shaken baby syndrome, and mental health and alcohol and other drug abuse counseling as appropriate
- Nutrition and meal preparation
- Child care options
- Family planning and relationships
The issue of assisting parenting youth in finishing high school is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed. For information on assisting youth in foster care complete high school, see Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care - South Carolina | Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Economic and Concrete Supports
Citation: Code of Regs. § 114-594(B)
If the child is not on the premises or is otherwise unable to care for his or her child, child care may be provided on the premises only as follows:
- The staff member or volunteer staff used to meet staff to child ratios shall have completed the training requirements for a caregiver.
- Child care may be provided off premises only by a child care provider that is licensed or registered by the agency.
Services and Supports for Parenting Youth That Promote Self-Sufficiency
Citation: Code of Regs. § 114-594(B)
The facility shall provide life skills instruction that includes all the following:
- Independent living skills, economic self-sufficiency, budgeting, and job skills
- Parental rights and responsibilities, including child support
- Choosing and monitoring child care providers
- Accessing community resources, transportation, and transitional housing
Foster Care Prevention Strategy for any Child Born to the Youth
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.