Policy News and Information for South Carolina's Children
Policy Post
Jan. 15, 2019
General Assembly Convenes for Session
The 123rd session of the South Carolina Legislature began Jan. 8, the first day of the two-year session. Observers predict K-12 education funding reform will be the year’s dominant issue, as reported by the Charleston Post and Courier and The State .

In the child welfare realm, South Carolina is looking to hire a new director for the Department of Social Services (DSS) as well as an executive director, known as the State Child Advocate , of the newly-established Department of Children's Advocacy, which passed into law during the 2018 session. 
On the S.C. Legislative Radar
Abuse and Neglect Definitions

H.3277 incorporates torture into existing child abuse and neglect definitions. S.211 adds unfounded abuse and neglect reports and near fatalities to data and reports that DSS may release. Availability of such data facilitates more evidence-based approaches to prevention of abuse and neglect.

Prostitution

Lawmakers in both chambers have already filed several bills dealing with prostitution. Studies have shown that individuals involved in prostitution often come from abusive and neglectful childhood backgrounds.

S.194 Increases penalties for the solicitation and facilitation of prostitution. S.23 , H.3074 , and H.3296 are related bills. H.3298 would protect trafficked and prostituted minors from prosecution, and S.188 offers safe harbor for exploited minors as well as identity and prosecution protection for those trafficked.

Child Marriage

S.196 eliminates the current law providing for under-18 marriages in the case of pregnancy. A similar bill is H.3369 . More targeted, H.3268 narrows the age range to between 16 and 18 years.

Be There

Thursday Jan. 17: Senate Judiciary subcommittee at 10 a.m. in the Gressette Building, Room 105. On the agenda are bills concerning human trafficking and solicitation (S.188, S.194) and child marriage (S.196).
Children's Trust Holds Freshman Academy
Children's Trust hosted its first Freshman Academy in December to brief newly-elected public officials on children's issues in advance of the 2019 session of the S.C. General Assembly.

With a goal of informing lawmakers about the power of prevention, the organization hopes to see policies put into place that improve the lives of children and families across South Carolina. The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children was a partner in the event. In the photo, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (right) chats with Darlington County First Steps executive director Darnell McPherson (left).
State Report on Human Trafficking Released
On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Jan. 11, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson (left) released the state’s Human Trafficking Task Force annual report for 2018.

South Carolina was recently recognized by Shared Hope International as the most improved state in the nation in combatting human trafficking. As noted in a WOLO-TV story , Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette was on hand for the news conference, where she read a proclamation by Gov. Henry McMaster declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in South Carolina.
Increasing Visibility of Daniel's Law in Upstate
DSS is working with local partners in the Upstate to raise awareness of Daniel’s Law , which allows for mothers in crisis to have a safe and legal way to surrender an infant. Daniel’s Law was enacted to prevent dangerous and often fatal abandonments. Under the law, instead of abandoning a baby up to 60 days old in dangerous circumstances, a person can surrender an unharmed newborn baby at a designated location. This story by Fox Carolina details what's happening at Greenville Fire Department stations to show they are one such location.
Federal Roundup
Senate Reauthorizes Victims of Child Abuse Act

The U.S. Senate reauthorized the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which includes updated language such as the strengthening of mandatory reporter liability provisions. This report by the dailyjournalonline.com in Missouri details how the legislation provides funding for Children’s Advocacy Centers that serve child victims and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable.

Family First Prevention Services Act Details to Be Released

The Children’s Bureau announced that all programs and services through the new Family First Prevention Services Act will be rated using the Prevention Services Clearinghouse Handbook of Standards and Procedures . These ratings will indicate if programs and services qualify as “promising,” “supported,” “well-supported,” or “does not currently meet criteria.” The designations will inform states and providers which programs are eligible for federal funds under the new law.
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.