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.
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.
Committee on Children Releases 2019 Annual Report [pdf]
This 2019 Annual Report of the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children provides information to the Governor and the General Assembly in the consideration of policy, funding, and legislation that affects children.
Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children Releases 2019 Data Reference Book [pdf]
The 2019 edition of the Committee on Children Data Reference Book is now available. The Data Book contains over 120 data points about children’s well-being, including some indicators that are new this year.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act Reauthorization
The JJDP Act of 1974, which authorizes support of local and state efforts to prevent delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system, was reauthorized and amended in December 2018.
2018 Legislative Update [pdf]
More than 250 child-related bills were introduced in the 2017-2018 legislative session. Here are some notable enacted laws from the second year of the session. For more information on these and other bills, visit the S.C. Legislature website.