Why “fictive kin” is important in foster care

South Carolina DSS may now, by new law, place a child with relative or fictive kin who is not yet licensed as a foster parent.  That allows them to get financial assistance from DSS while in the process of being coming licensed.  Governor McMaster, DSS Director Michael Leach, and a number of state lawmakers this month joined for the ceremonial bill signing for S. 222.  The bill defines fictive kin who is not related by birth, adoption, or marriage to a child but who has an emotionally significant relationship with the child or the child’s family.