SC Youth Advocate Program-Resource Family Program

Currently there are 1,200 children in DSS foster care across the Upstate of South Carolina and there are less than 600 licensed resource foster homes. There is an obvious deficit of homes available to place children in the Upstate, which decreases the number of children who can remain in their communities. The South Carolina Youth Advocate Program’s Resource Family Program, is a private not for profit organization providing services to children and families in South Carolina for over 25 years, explains Sharon Durham. “The South Carolina Youth Advocate Resource Family Program is a Foster Care Program. We partner with the SC Department of Social Services to recruit, retain, license, re-license, and support resource foster parents in Upstate counties in South Carolina.” There is an urgent need for loving, caring individuals who see the needs of children in their community, have the passion to respond to that need, and are committed to making life better for those children. Durham tells how to become a Youth Advocate Resource Family. “People call our office in Greenville, 864-312-6700 and request information. They are sent a packet telling all about the program and what the expectations are, if they choose to apply they then send the packet back to us. It is assigned to a licensing coordinator serving in the county. The licensing coordinators then contact that family and begin the process that involves several interviews, background checks, and DHEC and fire inspections to make sure the home is safe. Once all that is done, which usually takes about three months, the application is completed. It is sent to DSS in Columbia for review and licensing. Once they are licensed, they are eligible to receive children in their home.” To learn more about the South Carolina Youth Advocate Resource Family Program, call 864-312-6700 or visit www.scyap.com.