Policy News and Information for South Carolina's Children
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On the South Carolina Legislative Radar
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Children's Trust Publishes Policy Brief on Child's Advocate Bill
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The Office of the Child’s Advocate receives and investigates reports of problems at state agencies serving children, helps to resolve the challenges, and seeks to transform that information into improvements statewide. Senate bill
S.805
details the proposal to create such an office.
Bills to Watch
S.840
defines torture, specifies torture as grounds for termination of parental rights, and blocks family reunification efforts by the Department of Social Services in instances of torture. It emerged from subcommittee with a unanimous favorable vote, but it will be slowed once it reaches the full Senate General Committee, which will consider detailed changes to definitions deemed necessary to secure votes on the floor.
H.4705
makes school and college administrators, coaches, firefighters, Scout leaders and counselors mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. Having passed the House unanimously, it was recommended favorably by a Senate subcommittee, which indicated the full General Committee will consider amendments clarifying key definitions.
S.1033
proposes the consolidation of state agencies and programs working in early childhood development, education, health and wellness. It passed out of subcommittee and is headed to the full General Committee, where several amendments already await. Lacking a House companion bill, it is unlikely to reach the House in time to be enacted this session.
Be There
The
House Education and Public Works Committee
will meet Tuesday, March 20, 90 minutes after the adjournment of the House in the Blatt Building, Room 433. It will include discussion on
H.4480
, which limits
use of mobile phones to hands-free devices for drivers.
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Child Care and Development Block Grant Act
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The U.S. Congress has until March 23 to finalize its
2018 appropriations bill
. While the budget has grown since 2017, the subcommittee crafting Health and Human Services and Education appropriations were provided less funding as a proportionate share of the increase.
Changes In Mandatory Programs
, known as CHIMPs, make one-year changes in mandatory spending programs, usually to limit that spending. CHIMPs are scored as savings, although they often fail to realize savings in practice. They can be used to pay for real increases in spending or redirect funds from one sort of appropriation to another. The greatest impact will likely be on the
Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG)
, which provides federal funding for child care subsidies for low-income working families.
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Lawmaker Proposes Recognizing Trauma-Informed Care
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A resolution authored by U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., would officially recognize the importance and effectiveness of trauma-informed care. Citing and explaining the importance of
adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
, the resolution lists specific actions by local and state governments across the U.S. that promoted or established trauma-informed care. Resolutions are not laws but rather the statements of intent or declarations, primarily to express principles, facts, opinions and the purposes of Congress.
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Child Welfare Across the Nation
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Video Features Kids Showing How to Interact With Legislators
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Precocious youngsters will teach you how to effectively communicate with state lawmakers about children’s issues in this
five-minute video.
It was produced by
Kids Forward,
which seeks to
inspire action and promote access to opportunity for children, families and communities in Wisconsin
.
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Policy Post is published by Children's Trust of South Carolina.
Children's Trust of South Carolina is the only statewide organization focused on the prevention of child abuse, neglect and injury. The organization trains and educates professionals who work directly with families and also funds, supports and monitors proven prevention programs. Children's Trust is the voice for South Carolina's children and advocates for strong, well-founded policies that positively impact child well-being. Children's Trust is home to Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina, KIDS COUNT South Carolina and Safe Kids South Carolina.
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