Address issues related to children's legal rights and juvenile justice. Coordinate with other children's services groups to improve the way the legal system functions in relation to children. Develop CLE seminars and materials on issues affecting children and those who represent them, both as lawyers and GALs.

Committee Goals:

Legislative Initiatives
Draft, evaluate, and support legislation in an effort to improve the legal system for children.

1. Support the Disturbing Schools bill (HB 3315)
2. Support the GAL bill to clarify appointment of attorneys for GALs (HB 3779)
3. Introduce legislation to make it easier for foster youth to obtain a driver’s permit
4. Monitor legislation related to children’s issues

Public Information
Provide resources and information to members of the public in order to make the legal system more accessible.

1. Finalize non-custodial parent rights information page
2. Ensure SC Bar’s FAQs are current
3. Follow-up to determine whether the SC Bar website links to the Children’s Law Center
4. Explore avenues to educate children and parents regarding the collateral consequences of children waiving their rights to counsel
5. Explore avenues to educate foster youth regarding the benefits of remaining in foster care beyond age 18
6. Continue to distribute the Child Protective Services Card
7. Encourage members of the committee to participate in the SC Bar’s Ask-a-Lawyer program and the Regional and Statewide Mock Trial competitions

Legal Education
Educate members of the Bar regarding not only new laws impacting children and current trends in child welfare, but also regarding basic information to enable them to be more effective advocates for children.

1. Plan to present a seminar at the 2011 Bar Convention
2. Address additional CLE needs of the bar as appropriate with the CLE/Publications pision and the Children’s Law Center

The Family Court Process for Children Charged with Criminal and Status Offenses in South Carolina

USC Children's Law Center

Minutes:
March 22, 2007
May 4, 2007
July 27, 2007
November 16, 2007
October 3, 2008
November 7, 2008
December 12, 2008
February 12, 2009
May 8, 2009
August 21, 2009

2012-2013 Chair:
Elizabeth A. Hill
P.O. Box 21069
Columbia, SC 29221
(803) 896-4815 Fax: (803) 896-7538
eahill@scdjj.net


Staff contact:
Lindsey Pitts
lpitts@scbar.org
(803) 799-6653, ext. 137