Child Welfare
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill changes South Carolina law to require family courts to consider whether no-contact or supervised-contact orders are appropriate when terminating parental rights or finalizing adoptions. It defines key terms like ‘contact,’ ‘no-contact order,’ and ‘supervised-contact order’ and outlines factors courts should consider when deciding whether such orders are necessary to protect a child’s safety and well-being. The bill also establishes procedures for enforcing these orders and modifying or terminating them.
Key provisions
- Requires family courts to consider no-contact or supervised-contact orders during parental termination or adoption proceedings.
- Defines terms related to contact orders, including ‘contact,’ ‘no-contact order,’ and ‘supervised-contact order.’
- Outlines factors courts must consider when determining the appropriateness of contact orders, such as history of abuse, child’s age and preferences, and impact on the child’s stability.
- Establishes procedures for enforcing violations of contact orders through civil contempt.
- Allows for modification or termination of contact orders if it’s in the child’s best interest.
- Specifies that a child is not subject to penalties for initiating contact despite a no-contact order.
- Provides exceptions for limited disclosure of non-contact information for medical, educational, or law enforcement purposes.
- Contact orders remain in effect until the child reaches eighteen years of age.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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3 on record
Primary sponsor
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