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
Celebrating Family Reunification Month this June
By the S.C. Department of Social Services The Department of Social Services (DSS) recognizes and honors the month of June as Family Reunification Month to raise awareness and celebrate the work put into strengthening families. During the month, DSS recognizes...
We Must Combat Child Sexual Abuse Material Online in South Carolina
By Senator Brad HuttoChair of the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children Senator Brad Hutto New threats to children’s safety and well-being emerge every day, particularly online where the line between reality and fiction is rapidly disappearing. The...
Year in Review: State Child Fatality Advisory Committee Makes Progress in 2023
Amanda Whittle By Amanda F. Whittle, J.D., CWLSChair of the State Child Fatality Advisory Committee It hasn’t been business as usual for the State Child Fatality Advisory Committee (SCFAC) for the past 12 months. When I accepted the role as Chair of the committee...
Fixing Our Childcare Crisis is Key to Supporting South Carolina’s Workforce Growth
By Senator Ross TurnerSenate Chair, Special Joint Committee to Study Childcare, and Bob Morgan, President & CEO, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Senator Ross Turner, Senate Chair, Special Joint Committee to Study Childcare and Bob Morgan, President &...
Home (Visiting) for the Holidays
In our final Policy Forum of 2023, we are sharing short stories from across the state where voluntary home visiting programs made a significant difference in the lives of a mother and her child. Local home visiting programs assist families by pairing them with...
Know How to Prevent and Get Help for Child Abuse in Sports: One Survivor’s Story
By Courage First Athlete Helpline I am an athlete counselor on the Courage First Athlete Helpline, as well as a crisis counselor with Childhelp’s National Child Abuse Hotline. I am also a former soccer player and coach. Over the years, I have spent time speaking...
Universal Free School Meals Reduces Childhood Obesity and Curbs Child Hunger
By Meg StanleyExecutive Director at Wholespire In 1946, President Truman started the school lunch program as a response to claims that American men had been rejected for World War II military service because of diet-related health problems. The federally assisted...
Why We Must Come Together to Address Poverty in SC
By Chynna A. Phillips, Senior Director of Policy and Research at the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina To change the world, we must begin with ourselves. As a statewide grantmaking entity committed to reducing poverty by ensuring that South Carolina...
Summer Learning Programs are Needed More Now than Ever Before
By Zelda Quiller Waymer, President and CEO of the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance This week, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released the latest results of the Nation’s Report Card. Teenagers’ math and reading performance has continued to...
Families Need Stable Housing: Study Seeks to Improve Workforce Housing in SC
“Since 2020, housing needs have become even more pronounced due to increased inflation, rising rents, rapid house price appreciation, and higher mortgage interest rates.” -- Joseph Von Nessen, Ph.D. in the Palmetto State Housing Study 2023 By Tammy Palmer, SC...
Continuing Support for Kinship Caregivers and the Children They Love
By Donna Waites, President of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina About a decade ago, a young father found himself the sole caretaker of his two young sons. He was facing seemingly insurmountable challenges as he worked to make ends meet. He turned...
National Parent Leadership Month Spotlight: Amanda Ingle
February is Parent Leadership Month, and we are celebrating parents across South Carolina who work to improve the lives of their families, neighbors and communities every day. Amanda Ingle is a resident of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and has two boys, Kaiden, 15,...
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