Quick answer
If you're pregnant and considering adoption, Building Families offers free support, including a dedicated social worker, counseling before and after birth, and help choosing the adoptive family, with no cost or obligation to you. Building Families is not DSS or a foster care program.
What support is available to me?
Expectant-parent services at Building Families are free. You can call or text 24/7 at 803-609-5531, or email info@buildingfamiliessc.com. Building Families will talk with you about your situation and connect you with a social worker who provides support and resources throughout your pregnancy.
What happens after I reach out?
Once you connect with Building Families, the team typically:
- Discusses your adoption plan, choices, and options with you.
- Talks through any financial needs you have during pregnancy.
- Helps you choose an adoptive family.
- Builds a delivery plan together with the family and your social worker.
How much control do I have over the process?
You decide the type of family you want to place with and how much contact you want before and after placement. Building Families shows you family profiles that match your criteria, and you can create a hospital plan for when the baby is born. You can browse waiting families whenever you feel ready. See our guide to open adoption and the adoption triad for more on how that works.
Can Building Families help with living expenses?
In South Carolina, adoptive families can pay reasonable living expenses during your pregnancy and for up to about six weeks after delivery. Any legal fees you incur, along with counseling during and after your pregnancy, are covered at no cost to you. If you’d like your own legal representative, Building Families can refer you to one, also at no cost.
What happens after placement?
Counseling remains available to you after placement, and you keep the relationship with the adoptive family that you set out in your adoption plan. It’s the adoptive family, not you, who goes to court to finalize the adoption; you should not have to appear in court.
Read more for expectant parents or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost anything to work with Building Families as an expectant parent?
No. Expectant-parent services, including your social worker, counseling, and legal support, are free.
Will I have to go to court?
No. The adoptive family attends the finalization hearing, not the expectant or birth parent.
Can I choose an open adoption with ongoing contact?
Yes; you decide the level of contact before and after placement. See our guide to open adoption and the adoption triad for more on how that works.
What if I change my mind after making an adoption plan?
You can always make the choice to parent at any time after making an adoption plan until consents to adoption are signed after the birth of your child.
The information contained here is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.