Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children

Improving outcomes for South Carolina's children through research, collaboration, and policy. Staffed by @UofSCLaw Children's Law Center.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Major wins for SC’s children and families this session! Six Committee-sponsored or endorsed bills passed in 2026. Thank you to our partners, legislators, & advocates for supporting SC children. @MikeForSC @BradHutto @TIDEVINE @voteforcarla @bethbernsteinsc @PaulaCalhoonSC

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Grateful to everyone who testified and spoke up for South Carolina’s children— your input helps shape real change! Our next and final stop is @USCAiken Wed. 10/15. Can’t make it to our in-person hearing? Email your written testimony to [email protected] by 10/17.

[Live5News @Live5News]

State committee holds public hearing on children’s issues #chsnews https://t.co/wXPtRDHgRX

[Live5News @Live5News]

State committee holds public hearing on children’s issues #chsnews https://t.co/wXPtRDHgRX

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Join us in Greenville tonight to share your input on children’s issues across South Carolina! @BradHutto @MikeForSC @TIDEVINE @bethbernsteinsc

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

We are excited to hear from the midlands community on children's issues tomorrow! @BradHutto @MikeForSC @TIDEVINE @bethbernsteinsc @PaulaCalhoonSC

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

The SC Committee on Children wants to hear from YOU! Come testify on issues affecting children and families in South Carolina. Your input could help shape legislative and policy change. @BradHutto @MikeForSC @TIDEVINE @bethbernsteinsc @PaulaCalhoonSC @henrymcmaster

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

The 2025 Child Well-Being Data Book is here!

Positive trends:
8% decrease in foster care entries
12% increase in open child care centers
Ongoing challenges:
18% rise in student homelessness
Suicide leading cause of death for SC kids 10–14

Read more:
https://t.co/2dLgZVjb6N

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

The Committee is thrilled to share its 2025 Annual Report. This year's report addresses a number of education, safety, and healthcare issues. We appreciate the public input that identified these issues and led to this report.

https://t.co/dzPS0Ywz21

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Committee Chair Rep. Paula Calhoon spoke in support of initiatives reducing child abuse and neglect in South Carolina. Sen. Devine, Rep. Bernstein, and Rep. Schuessler joined her in marking Child Abuse Prevention Month.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Congratulations to Committee law clerk LaBarron Sledge! He received the 2025 Distinguished Student Award, which is based on academic achievement, leadership, demonstrated interest in children’s issues, and participation in extracurricular or pro bono service in children’s law.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

The Committee's bills are on the move! The Committee worked closely with @AGAlanWilson and @ChildAdvocateSC to develop these bills aimed at protecting SC children and improving child-related government processes and procedures. We appreciate their input and work on these issues.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Are you interested in serving as the next State Child Advocate? A new term begins July 1st. Apply at the link below until January 31st: https://t.co/pZcWLusuSV.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

@iamtamikasw No ma’am! Please email us at [email protected] to sign up and for additional information.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

We're moving forward with the Charleston public hearing scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3. Please join us to share your testimony about children's issues in SC.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Testifying to the Committee on Children can be a family affair! We enjoyed hearing from Polk Scott and his mother, Amanda MacDougald Scott, last night in Spartanburg. Polk testified about the need for free school meals because many families cannot afford them. We agree, Polk!

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

We're heading your way Sparkle City! The Committee travels to Spartanburg for the first time on Tuesday, 9/24 for its third fall public hearing on children's issues. Email [email protected] to sign up to speak or submit written comments. Thanks to @uscupstate for hosting!

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

@RVHSScholars @RichlandTwo @rvhs @DrBrendaMack @R2Magnets We enjoy hearing their testimonies each year! Thank you for attending.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Due to events beyond the Committee's control, the Columbia public hearings on September 17 have been moved to a new location. The Committee will still meet on the State House grounds but in the Blatt Building, Room 403.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

Did you know this is the first time the Committee has visited Conway? Don't miss your chance to inform policy by testifying to the Committee. Email [email protected] to sign up to testify.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

@bymatthewthall The meeting can also be viewed on the State House’s video archive.

[Joint Citizens & Legislative Committee on Children @scchildrencomm]

@bymatthewthall We presented the most recent state data as well as responses from a school district survey on preschool suspension at our 8/20 meeting. The slides and data, including a GIS map, are available on our site https://t.co/36fJnmSoTS.