SC Child Abuse Response Protocol Act Signed into Law
On May 6, 2021, Governor McMaster signed the SC Child Abuse Response Protocol Act bill into law.
The Children’s Law Center is a central point for news and developments in children’s law. Check this page regularly for the latest news, updates, and events.
Children's Law Center Opens New Training Center
The Children's Law Center has a new training center that includes a mock courtroom and crime-scene apartment.
SC Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Data Reference Book - Released by the Committee on Children
The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children has released a special-edition Data Reference Book that addresses the COVID-19 impact on South Carolina children.
Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children Releases 2021 Annual Report
The 2021 Annual Report analyzed and presented issues facing the children in South Carolina including the COVID-19 pandemic, teen dating violence, and harsh odds facing those who age out of foster care. Through this research, the Committee filed 24 pieces of legislation. The Committee has committed to further study of issues such as child hunger, youth homelessness, and supported decision-making for youth with disabilities.
Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children Releases 2021 Child Well-being Data Reference Book
The 2021 edition of the Committee on Children Data Reference Book is now available. The data collected to support the Annual Reports and legislative work of the Committee on Children are reported in these supplemental Data Reference Books. Forty-nine indicators are used to report the status of children in the following categories: safety, health, education, responsibility, and support.
Rethinking the Role of the Juvenile Justice System: Improving Youth’s School Attendance and Educational Outcomes
This report, released September 2020, summarizes key findings from an unprecedented research study conducted by The Council of State Governments Justice Center on the impact of juvenile justice system involvement—particularly probation—on school attendance in South Carolina and challenges jurisdictions across the country to reconsider whether system involvement is the most appropriate and effective way to promote youth’s school success.
South Carolina Selected For New, First-of-its-Kind National Program to Redesign Child Welfare Program Into Child and Family Well-Being System
The State of South Carolina is one of four jurisdictions nationwide chosen to participate in the first tier of a cutting edge national program that aims to move child welfare systems from traditional, reactive child protection systems to advanced systems designed to support holistic child and family well-being while preventing child maltreatment and unnecessary family separation.
South Carolina Department for Children’s Advocacy
The SC Department for Children’s Advocacy, led by Director Amanda Whittle, was established July 1, 2019 as an independent state agency dedicated to ensuring that SC's children receive adequate protection and care from services or programs related to child welfare.
Raise the Age Law
The Raise the Age law, effective July 1, 2019, raises the age in South Carolina for youth to be charged as adults from 17 to 18.