COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Wednesday, the Children's Trust of South Carolina revealed its legislative agenda aimed at addressing infant mortality rates, mental health concerns, and childcare accessibility across the state.
The comprehensive plan, the result of extensive input from advocates, parents, and students throughout South Carolina, is set to be a centerpiece of the 2024 legislative session.
"Big problems require bold solutions," said Senator Katrina Shealy.
A disconcerting 2023 report released by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) revealed a 12% increase in infant mortality rates from 2020 to 2021.
Dr. Ramkumar Jayagopalan, a specialist in American pediatrics, has personally witnessed the impact of voluntary home-visiting programs in mitigating these statistics.
“They almost act like a mentor or a coach," Jayagopalan said. "So, starting with how to put the baby to sleep, and what to look out for in terms of jaundice, and fever. So, they teach them parenting skills for the first three years of life, which is critical for these babies. The parents have a head start on how to handle these kids."
However, fewer than 10% of eligible families in the state are benefiting from these services due to funding constraints and lack of awareness. The Children's Trust said that South Carolina holds the potential to assist an additional 900 families by investing $250,000, a sum that would be tripled through a federal grant program.
"It lowers crime rates, reduces hunger, improves obesity rates—everything we could want,” said Elizabeth Mack, President of the SC Chapter of American Pediatrics.
The challenges also include child care, as more than 15% of unemployed women in the state find themselves unable to work due to the dearth of childcare options.
"We need to update child care tax credits, increase access to child care, and make it more affordable for families to place their children in care,” said Shealy.
In addition to these pivotal initiatives, the Children's Trust is also working to expand free breakfast and lunch programs in public schools and prioritizing crisis stabilization units, which serve as mental health emergency rooms for children and youth.
"We don't want our children ending up in DJJ or in jail because they don't have a place to go,” said Shealy. “Big problems require bold solutions.”
No action can be taken until the legislature returns in January.
As for the likelihood any of these priorities will pass, Shealy said, "With Our legislature and our body, it's hard to tell. I would think free lunch and breakfast would be easy legislation. And it seems like that can’t even get on the floor in our body. So, will it be easy? I hope so."