S.C. Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children Website

There are over 1 million children in South Carolina under the age of 18 years. Tens of thousands of our children live in poverty, are abused and neglected, drop out of school, are placed in foster care, suffer mental illness or physical disability, experience teen pregnancy, or are referred for delinquency.

These are complex and inter-related issues, and many of these children have multiple and overlapping needs. South Carolina must identify, study and understand these issues and causes, and logically coordinate its efforts and resources to address children's needs.

The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children was created in 2008 to:

* serve as a clearing house for children's issues
* offer coordination for legislative efforts and policy for children issues
* provide research and data to inform legislative consideration of children's issues
* promote coordination and efficiency of children's services

The Committee is comprised of:

3 Senators
3 Representatives
3 Citizens
5 ex-officio, non-voting members:
the State Superintendent of Education, and the Directors of DJJ, DMH, DSS and DDSN.

Enabling Legislation (63-1-50)

Committee Members

Upcoming Meetings

2011 Annual Report of the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children

2012 Pending Legislation Affecting Children
Legislation that did not pass in the 2011 legislative session will be considered when the General Assembly reconvenes in January, 2012.

Joint Committee Endorsed Bills