Policy Forum
The Policy Forum is our platform for thought leadership and dialogue on issues affecting children and families. Here, we feature guest voices, expert analysis, and diverse perspectives that explore how policy decisions affect real lives—and how smart, preventive solutions can strengthen our communities.
Each column dives deeper into the conversations behind the headlines, connecting research, practice and lived experience to highlight what works for children. From family support and prevention strategies to funding priorities and legislative trends, the Policy Forum offers insights that inspire action and inform change.
Interested in Submitting a Column?
Contact Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy Sarah Knox.
Policy Forum Archives
Highlighting the Need for Early Family Support, National Child Welfare Leader Urges South Carolina Lawmakers to Invest in Prevention
Together at the S.C. Statehouse, Children's Trust CEO Sue Williams stands with Jerry Milner, co-founder and director of Family Justice Group and Tony Catone, SCDSS state director. Jerry Milner, a lifelong social worker and national leader in child...
Report Finds Child Abuse and Neglect Cost $74B Per Year in South Carolina; Children’s Trust Releases Legislative Agenda in Response
Children’s Trust hosted a press conference this week to release an economic report that estimates the expense due to the long-term health and employment impacts of child abuse and neglect. The study was authored by Joseph Von Nessen, Ph.D., research...
Board Members Call on South Carolina to Endow the Children’s Trust Fund
By Sarah Knox, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy Every fall, the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children holds public hearing meetings around the state to listen to the concerns and ideas from people regarding a wide range of children’s issues. As...
Understanding Suicide Prevention: Signs to Watch For and Where to Get Help in South Carolina
By Jessica KobernikProgram Manager Suicide Prevention Program at South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Office of Mental Health September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time for increasing public awareness, learning...
Transforming Maternal Health: Doula Workforce Development and Medicaid Reimbursement in South Carolina
By BirthMatters South Carolina faces a devastating maternal health emergency. With a maternal mortality rate of 47.2 per 100,000 live births in 2021, significantly above the national rate of 32.9, the state ranks 8th highest nationally for maternal deaths. Almost...
Improving Maternal and Infant Health: Increasing Access to Care in Rural South Carolina
By Brie HuntSenior Director of Policy Initiatives at South Carolina Institute of Medicine & Public Health This spring, the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH) released its newest taskforce report exploring opportunities to...
Recapping the 2025 Legislative Session
By Sarah Knox, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy The legislative session for 2025 has wrapped up, and the General Assembly has finalized its FY 25-26 budget. The General Assembly will come back into regular session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 for the second...
Bridging the Gap: Ensuring Fresh Food for Every Family in SC’s Capital City of Columbia
By Daniel Rickenmann, Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann In Columbia, South Carolina, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring every resident has access to fresh, nutritious food. Addressing food insecurity isn’t just about...
Expanding Accessibility and Affordability: A Business Case for Investing in Childcare
By Bailey VincettDirector of Government Relations at Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce The childcare crisis isn't just a family issue—it’s a two-generation workforce challenge affecting both parents and children. Without affordable and accessible childcare,...
2023 Child Fatality Advisory Report Highlights Need for Investment in Prevention in South Carolina
The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children holds public hearings across South Carolina every fall to hear about issues affecting children and families. This year, several speakers highlighted the need for continued investment in prevention. Dr....
34 Years after Passage of Americans with Disabilities Act, Able SC Reflects on Progress and the Path Forward
By Able SC A few weeks ago the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated its 34th birthday. The ADA remains the landmark legislation that, when signed, President George Bush proclaimed, “let this shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” Since...
“Prepared in Mind and Resources”: Internet Expansion and Accessibility in South Carolina
By Brenton Brown, Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs In the early to mid-1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs were his administration’s attempts to counteract the economic despair inflicted on the United...