Best Legal Practices in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases

The Best Legal Practices document provides recommendations for handling child abuse and neglect cases to reduce delays, expedite permanency for children, and provide overall efficiency for these cases.  These guidelines address procedural best practices rather than tactical or trial practice.

The Family Court Bench Bar Committee developed these guidelines, upon recommendation of the S.C. Governor's Task Force on Children in Foster Care and Adoption Services.   The S.C. Department of Social Services, the S.C. Guardian ad Litem Program, the S.C. Foster Care Review Board, and the Children's Law Center assisted the Bench Bar Committee in this endeavor.  Chief Justice Jean H. Toal and the Family Court Judges Advisory Committee support the Best Legal Practices document.  

The Bench Bar Committee will review implementation of these guidelines and consider revisions as needed.   Attorneys and court officials are encouraged to offer suggestions for additions or improvements.  

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