September Recognized as Kinship Care Month in South Carolina

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September Recognized as Kinship Care Month in South Carolina

Sept. 2, 2026 – The Department of Social Services (DSS) recognizes Kinship Care Month each September, celebrating the critical role kinship caregivers play in providing safe, stable environments for children in need. Kinship caregivers include grandparents, aunts, uncles, relatives, or close family friends who step in when a child cannot safely remain with their parents or primary caregivers. According to the latest Kids Count data, 7 percent of children in South Carolina live in a household with a relative and no parent present.

Kinship Care Month offers an opportunity to honor those who support children and youth who might otherwise enter foster care. Agency data shows that nearly 29 percent of children in South Carolina foster care are placed with approved kinship caregivers.

“Kinship care reflects one of the greatest strengths of our communities: people stepping forward to care for children and support families during challenging times,” said Tony Catone, DSS State Director. “Across South Carolina, we have grandparents, relatives, neighbors, family friends, and other trusted adults who are providing children with loving homes, stability, and a sense of connection to their home and their community. Kinship Care Month gives us an opportunity to thank these caregivers and to stand beside them with the support and resources they need in this vital ministry to families.”

DSS offers several programs and resources to support kinship caregivers, including the Subsidized Legal Guardianship Program (KinGAP), which provides monthly financial assistance to licensed caregivers raising youth exiting foster care until adulthood.

The agency also supports kinship caregivers through the Kinship Navigator Program, which provides comprehensive help to families involved with DSS. South Carolina’s three Kinship Navigator programs include Middle Tyger Community Center, Epworth Children’s Home, and HALOS.

Caregivers can also visit Kinship SC—offering statewide links, information, resources, and services for kinship families. In recognition of Kinship Care Month, several events are planned throughout September:

Sept. 11th – DSS will celebrate Grandparents Day and encourage people to wear the color gold. Gold is the chosen color to represent the value of these caregivers and the fact many are often in their “golden years” when they take on these responsibilities.

Be sure to check DSS social media for additional updates. For resources and support materials for kinship caregivers, visit the DSS website.

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