Trent Hill Center is proud to announce the launch of their fourth program: a licensed Assessment and Placement Competency Center (APCC) for youth from across the state who are in South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) foster care.

Located in Hartsville, this new program will serve as a center of excellence for assessing the needs of children and youth in foster care and supporting long-term placement stability. The APCC will provide eight licensed residential spaces for children and youth who are new to foster care, experiencing disrupted placements, or awaiting permanent placement. Youth will stay for 21 business days, during which time the Trent Hill Center team will conduct a robust set of comprehensive assessments—including medical, mental health, trauma, education, trafficking, housing, and life skills evaluations. This thorough review process will enable Trent Hill Center to make informed recommendations to DSS on foster care placement fit, as well as provide the resources and ongoing consultation needed for foster parents and care providers to ensure greater stability.

While in residence, youth will receive trauma-informed residential services that meet all basic needs and include 24/7 supervision, access to medical and mental health care, nutritious meals, transportation, and enrichment activities. The new facility offers ample outdoor space, including a large yard, basketball/pickleball court, and patio. Youth will also participate in structured day activities—such as life skills programs, arts education, fieldtrips, sports, community service projects, and nurture groups—designed to promote growth and well-being.

To minimize any disruption in schooling, customized education plans will be overseen by a teacher and delivered through a home school curriculum that complies with state standards. This approach ensures that each youth’s academic needs are addressed alongside the critical assessments being conducted.

“The launch of the Assessment and Placement Competency Center represents a major step forward in how we serve children in foster care,” said Scottie Hill, Founder & Executive Director of Trent Hill Center. “By combining residential care, education, and thorough assessments under one roof, we are not only partnering with DSS to make informed placement decisions, but also ensuring that foster families have the tools and ongoing support they need to provide stable, nurturing homes. This is about giving every child the best chance at long-term success in a safe and stable environment.”

Through its comprehensive model, the APCC aims to improve placement stability, reduce disruptions, and ensure that every child’s unique needs are recognized and met before transitioning into a foster or group home setting.

The public is invited to play a role in making this new facility feel like home for the youth it will serve. Community members can support the new program by purchasing items from Trent Hill Center’s Amazon Wish List, sponsoring rooms within the house, or making a monetary donation. For more information, contact Mia Thomas at mia.thomas@trenthillcenter.org.