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COMMITTEE REPORT
May 22, 2002
S. 970
S. Printed 5/22/02--H.
Read the first time May 1, 2002.
To whom was referred a Bill (S. 970) to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding Section 20-7-495 so as to provide for the establishment of nonprofit children's advocacy centers, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by deleting all after the title and before the enacting words.
Amend the bill, further, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/SECTION 1. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 20-7-495. (A) 'Child abuse multidisciplinary resource center' means an entity that based on best practices assists in the coordination of the investigation of child sexual abuse and child physical abuse by providing as soon as available after receipt of the initial report:
(1) neutral, child-friendly facilities for forensic interviews;
(2) the coordination of services for children reported to have been abused; and
(3) services including, but not limited to, staffing of multi-disciplinary teams, forensic medical examinations, mental health and related support services, court advocacy, consultation, and training.
(B)(1) Child abuse multidisciplinary resource centers, which may be nonprofit corporations, should seek to establish professional relationships with governmental entities charged with the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse.
(2) Child abuse multidisciplinary resource center records are confidential, except that relevant information may be released to investigatory and prosecuting agencies. In all other circumstances, information may be released only upon the written consent of a child's custodial parent or guardian or upon court order.
(3) Staff and volunteers of a child abuse multidisciplinary resource center who act in good faith within the scope of their responsibilities and who are not guilty of gross negligence are immune from liability."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.
JAMES H. HARRISON for Committee.
TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-495 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NONPROFIT CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the establishment of children's advocacy centers throughout the State is desirable to promote a multi-disciplinary, coordinated approach to handling child sexual abuse cases and child physical abuse cases, thus minimizing the stress created for the child by the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of these child abuse cases.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 20-7-495. (A) 'Children's advocacy center' means an organization that assists in the coordination of the investigation of child sexual abuse and child physical abuse by providing:
(1) a neutral, child-friendly facility for forensic interviews;
(2) the coordination of services for children reported to have been abused; and
(3) services including, but not limited to, staffing of multi-disciplinary teams, forensic medical examinations, mental health and related support services, court advocacy, consultation, and training.
(B)(1) Children's advocacy centers, which may be nonprofit corporations, should seek to establish memoranda of agreements with governmental entities charged with the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse. Fully operational centers should function in a manner consistent with standards of the National Children's Alliance.
(2) Children's advocacy center records are confidential, except that relevant information may be released to investigatory and prosecuting agencies. In all other circumstances, information may be released only upon the written consent of a child's custodial parent or guardian or upon subpoena or court order.
(3) Staff and volunteers of a children's advocacy center who act in good faith within the scope of their responsibilities and who are not guilty of gross negligence are immune from liability.
(C) The South Carolina Network of Children's Advocacy Centers shall facilitate exchange of information and assistance among centers, provide training opportunities, and shall assist in the development of centers."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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