South Carolina Committee on Children

05/26/2026

The 2026 legislative session brought meaningful progress for South Carolina’s children and families. We are proud to share that six Committee-sponsored or endorsed bills passed this session, advancing policies that support child well-being across our state.

Thank you to our partners, legislators, and advocates who helped make this progress possible.

Learn more: SCCommitteeonChildren.org

11/11/2025

We’re looking for a Legislative Resource Attorney for the JCLCC team! If you’re passionate about advocacy and improving outcomes for South Carolina’s children, this is your chance to work with state leaders and make a lasting impact.

The Legislative Resource Attorney assists in the provision of staff and research support for the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children.

10/10/2025

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 at USC Aiken Wednesday, October 15th. Can’t make it to our in-person hearing? Email your written testimony to [email protected] by 10/17.

The South Carolina Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children held its fourth public hearing of 2025, receiving input and recommendations from residents and organizations across the Lowcountry to help shape future legislative initiatives in relation to children.

10/07/2025

Join us in Greenville tonight to share your input on children’s issues across South Carolina!

10/01/2025

We are excited to hear from the P*e Dee tomorrow!

The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children was created by statute to research issues regarding the children of South Carolina and to offer policy and legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

09/29/2025

We are excited to hear from the midlands community on children's issues tomorrow!

09/15/2025

Have something to say about children’s issues in our state? Share your voice at one of our upcoming fall public hearings! Your testimony can help guide future legislative and policy decisions. Sign up to speak or submit written testimony by emailing [email protected].

The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children was created by statute to research issues regarding the children of South Carolina and to offer policy and legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

08/22/2025

We are so excited to meet with communities across the state and hear their concerns/recommendations regarding children and families!

The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children was created by statute to research issues regarding the children of South Carolina and to offer policy and legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

06/26/2025

The Committee has published its 2025 Data Reference Book, offering four years of state data—plus county and national figures where available—on key indicators related to child welfare, health, education, juvenile justice, and safety.

Notable improvements:
8% decrease in children entering foster care since 2023
12% increase in open child care facilities
41% decrease in facility closures compared to 2023

Ongoing challenges:
Su***de is the leading cause of death for SC children ages 10–14
Homicide is the second leading cause for ages 10–14 and 15–17
15,862 homeless students reported in 2023–2024 school year—up 18% from the prior year
Over 25,000 children remain on waitlists for services through DDSN waivers

The data underscore both progress and urgent areas of need. Continued collaboration with state leaders and partners is essential to improving outcomes for South Carolina’s children.

📘 Read the full report:https://www.sccommitteeonchildren.org/_files/ugd/587cb7_6c8de4ed0454443e99c797f817635da7.pdf

02/27/2025

The Committee's bills are on the move! The Committee worked closely with the South Carolina Attorney General office and the South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy 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.