Epworth Children's Home

Epworth Children’s Home provides a safe, stable and loving environment for every child who calls this beautiful 32 acre campus “home.” Children between the ages of four and eighteen come to Epworth in one of two ways:

1. Government Placements are referred to ECH by the SC Department of Social Services after being removed from their current home environment for abuse or neglect. Government placements make up an average of 65% of Epworth’s total population. The State of SC becomes the legal guardian of the child while he/she lives at Epworth.

•  The plan of care for these children is determined by DSS and can range from:
  i.   Reunification with the family unit.
  ii.  Long term foster care or residential care placements.
  iii. Termination of parental rights that allow the child to enter the adoption process.
  iv. Kinship care that makes it possible for the child to live with a blood relative other than the parent.

2. Private Family Placements are referred to ECH by a family member or a member of the child’s community, such as a pastor or grandparent. Private placements make up the remaining 35% of the population. The current legal guardian maintains custody of the child while he/she lives at Epworth and children can be reunited with the family at the family’s request.

Regardless of the reason children are placed at Epworth, they receive comprehensive individualized care that meets their needs in the following areas: (For more information about a particular area, please click the link provided.)

1. Medical
2. Education
3. Emotional
4. Spiritual
5. Physical
6. Independent Living Skills

Epworth’s child care philosophy and practice is based upon the work of an international research team facilitated by the Residential Child Care Project at CornellUniversity. C.A.R.E., an acronym for Children and Residential Experience, is based upon key principles that create conditions for positive change in the lives of children and families. These principles were derived from recent research and best practices gleaned from the field’s most highly respected practitioners. The application of this model of child care allows Epworth to create an environment that is understanding, sensitive, and respectful of the struggles of children and families in today’s world. This approach promotes healing and positive change, rather than attempting to temporarily control behavior.

For more than 116 years, Epworth Children’s Home has grown and adapted to the individual needs of children by providing quality care grounded in faith and responsibility for our neighbor.  Established in 1895 by the South Carolina Annual Conference of what is now the United Methodist Church, Epworth Children’s Home was originally named Epworth Orphanage. Situated in the heart of the state, the Home is located on 32 peaceful acres in Columbia, South Carolina.

Children come to Epworth through private and government placements. Each placement is the result of a fractured family system where children have experienced abuse, neglect or significant loss. Over 70 staff members surround nearly 80 children with an array of comprehensive services that meet their emotional, physical, educational and spiritual needs. Much care and expertise go into assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each child. An individualized plan is developed for each child as staff members, counselors and volunteers work together to break the cycle of abuse, neglect and shame and replace it with an opportunity for each child to live a life of self respect, responsibility and productivity.

The generous financial support of those who have come before and those who partner with Epworth each day are combined to help provide the daily needs of a safe and nurturing environment for the children on campus. Each year, nearly 80% of the general operating budget to provide care to the children comes from the generous giving of congregations, individuals and businesses – past and present. When you make a gift to Epworth, you are ensuring each child receives the basics of food and shelter, but more importantly, your gift serves to provide a campus pastor for spiritual direction, counseling and therapy staff, educational tutors and cottage parents who guide each child through his or her journey.

Epworth’s history has shown that when the community stands together, investing in comprehensive care transforms the life of a child. We invite you to stand with us. You can make a secure donation online at by clicking here. You may also mail your contribution to Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205.