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Policy News and Information for South Carolina's Children
Policy Post
Feb. 20, 2018
On the South Carolina Legislative Radar
Senate to Debate Department of Children's Advocacy

Creating a Department of Children’s Advocacy (OAC), S. 805, passed out of the Senate General Committee unanimously last week. The bill was amended to clarify access to records, further depoliticize the appointment of a director, and strengthen protections for whistleblowers. The bill is on the full Senate's calendar for Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Well-defined OCAs in other states serve as a guardian for children in policy making and implementation.

First Steps Budget Request

At the Senate Finance K-12 Education subcommittee, First Steps requested an increase for their home visitation program. The funding will pass through to local partners so that each locality can select the program that best works for their communities.

Mandated Reporter Bill Amended to Include Additional Occupations

H. 4705 : The bill making “clerical or non-clerical religious counselors” mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect unanimously passed out of the House Judiciary committee. It was amended to also include school and college administrators, coaches, firefighters, Scout leaders and counselors. Other types of volunteers were removed. The bill also specifies that internal reporting to a supervisor does not meet the mandate of reporting to law enforcement personnel.

Legislation for Driving Under the Influence of Electronic Devices

H. 4480 : A bill limiting use of mobile phones while driving to hands-free devices is headed to a joint Education and Public Works Motor Vehicle subcommittee Wednesday, Feb. 21. The bill makes enforcement of existing no-texting laws much more practical. South Carolina leads the nation in fatalities per miles driven.

A Transportation and Motor Vehicle Joint Subcommittee will meet to discuss the bill Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m., or 90 minutes after the House adjourns, in Room 433 of the Blatt Building.

Bill to Watch

S. 516 : The shooting tragedy in Florida brought new attention to this bill, which has lingered in a Senate subcommittee since April 2017. It requires more timely and detailed reporting of domestic violence convictions and restraining orders to SLED for background checks on firearm purchases.

Be There
 
Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children will meet Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 207 of the Gressette Building.

House Judiciary Committee will meet Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m., or 90 minutes upon adjournment of the House, in Room 516 of the Blatt Building. Several bills are on the agenda including protections for minor victims of human traficking.

K-12 subcommittee of the House Education and Public Work Committee will convene Tuesday, Feb. 20, 90 minutes upon adjournment, in Room 433 of the Blatt Building. Several bills are on the agenda including bullying prohibition.

Federal Roundup
CAPTA Report Issued on Care for Substance-Affected Infants
Federal auditors from the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a report on implementation of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Auditors found that states want and need more guidance and technical assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in ensuring safe care for substance-affected infants.

White House Proposes Trims to Social Safety Nets

The White House is considering changes for lawful permanent residents in the U.S. seeking to obtain citizenship if they utilize social safety nets such as Head Start, CHIP and food stamps, transportation vouchers, or received homeless assistance under the McKinney-Vento Act, according to a story in Education Week .
Child Welfare News Across the Nation
Childhood Trauma Creates Poor Outcomes for Adults
The Boys Town Research Institute investigated the relation between household adversity and transitions in childhood with adult income problems, lack of education, and unemployment. Reducing exposure to child maltreatment for all children remains an important public health priority. Results underscore the need for programs and policies that promote stable relationships and environments.

Children's Trust leads the statewide initiative to address and prevent adverse childhood experiences in South Carolina.
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.