Thornwell Leads Local Effort to Tackle South Carolina’s Foster Care Shortage
June 22, 2025
While summer should be filled with popsicles, bike rides, and laughter, the reality for many children across South Carolina is far more difficult. When school lets out for summer break, countless children lose not only access to meals and structure but also a key line of protection. Though reports of abuse tend to decrease during the summer months, experts stress this doesn’t mean the need has lessened—it means fewer eyes are on vulnerable children.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Across the state, hundreds of children are in need of safe, loving homes:
- Greenville County:415 children in foster care
- Spartanburg County:149
- Greenwood County:24
- Laurens County:88
- Newberry County:5
- Anderson County:97
- Lexington County:102
- Richland County:487
- Aiken County:71
- Horry County:155
Despite these high numbers, South Carolina is facing a severe shortage of licensed foster families. As a result, many children are forced to leave their home communities—sometimes even their regions—because there simply aren’t enough families to care for them nearby.
Local Training, Lasting Impact
One organization is stepping up to change that, starting right here in Laurens County. Thornwell, based in Clinton, is working to close the gap through its comprehensive foster care program. With a mission to build strong families and provide hope and healing to children, Thornwell equips prospective foster families with trauma-informed training and compassionate support.
Their foster care program includes:
- Licensing assistance
- Ongoing training and mentorship
- Case management and personalized support
- A commitment to keeping children in their home communities whenever possible
“I wish there wasn’t a need for foster care – that all families had what they needed to be happy, healthy, and stable. And Thornwell has programs that strive to strengthen families before intervention is needed,” said Kaley Lindquist, Program Marketing and Recruitment Specialist at Thornwell. “But the reality is that as long as children are entering foster care, we need safe and loving foster parents. There is a desperate and urgent need for individuals and families to step up and welcome children into their homes – especially teens. Thornwell’s foster care program licenses families to foster, equips them with resources and education, and supports them as they care for children well.”
How You Can Help
If you’ve ever considered fostering—or are simply curious about what’s involved—now is the time to explore the possibilities. Thornwell is actively seeking families throughout Laurens County and surrounding areas to join in this vital mission.
Learn more about becoming a foster parent at thornwell.org/programs/foster-care. With the right support, one household can make a life-changing difference for a child in need.
Because every child deserves a safe place to call home—this summer and always.
