Almost half of children referred are matched to ‘forever’ homes

The Heart Gallery is a national program that uses the power of photography to help find adoptive homes for children lingering in foster care.  Begun in New Mexico in 2001, the program was brought to SC in 2005.  Since then, up to 45% of the SC children referred have been matched with families by the Department of Social Services Adoption Division.

Millie Qualls, Program Coordinator, manages and directs the program through a special partnership between the Children’s Foster Care Review Board and the SC Department of Social Services (DSS).  Children in foster care who are legally free and waiting for adoption are referred by DSS.  Local photographers donate their services to provide beautiful, black and white portraits of the children, reflecting each child’s unique spirit and personality.  The portraits are displayed in public venues around the state and on the Heart Gallery website at http://www.scheartgallery.org The children also receive mini-albums with an assortment of the photos taken of them.

“Because so many people are touched by the portraits of these precious children, we’re also raising awareness of the issue and finding more foster families, too,” said Qualls.  Recent SC statistics indicate 60-65% of adoptions are by foster families.

A photo shoot at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo in July included 47 children whose portraits will go on the website in August.  Volunteers were on hand throughout the morning and early afternoon to escort the children and photographers and keep the conversation flowing.   According to Camden photographer Tammy Grider who has participated many times since 2007, “I really enjoy doing this and just can’t think of a better way to serve my community than to help our children find ‘forever’ homes.”

For more information about the SC Heart Gallery or featured children, info@scheartgallery.org