South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has signed a bill meant to ease the adoption process. It creates new timelines for foster parents wishing to adopt, and places less emphasis on keeping biological families together where mental illness or substance abuse is an issue.

"I think this is a very significant step forward with regards to the adoption process in South Carolina," Sanford said. "Foundational to the larger notion of quality of life is this notion of a home for every child." [Source: SCNow.com]

The legislation also allows for quicker termination of parental rights in certain situations. There are currently over 5,000 children in South Carolina living in foster care. Last year, over 500 foster children were adopted into permanent homes. The state hopes this new law will help increase that number in the coming years.

Labels: laws

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton