A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT WORK DONE TO COMBAT THE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM OF CHILD MALTREATMENT, ABUSE, AND NEGLECT AND TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025, AS CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER DAY IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Summary
H4213 is a concurrent resolution that recognizes the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers in South Carolina and declares Wednesday, April 15, 2025, as Children’s Advocacy Center Day in the state. The resolution cites the number of children served nationally and in South Carolina, including 13,784 child victims served in 2024, and highlights the range of abuse and maltreatment addressed by these centers, such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, drug endangerment, commercial sexual exploitation, and psychological maltreatment.
The measure is primarily commemorative and declaratory rather than regulatory. It does not create new criminal penalties, funding streams, reporting requirements, or program mandates; instead, it expresses legislative support for child advocacy centers and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to the president and CEO of the South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers. Its practical effect is to formally honor and raise public awareness of child abuse prevention and response services in South Carolina.
Impact
Because H4213 is a concurrent resolution, it does not amend the South Carolina Code or alter substantive state law. Its impact is symbolic and ceremonial: it designates a single day of recognition, publicly affirms the role of Children’s Advocacy Centers, and may help elevate awareness of child maltreatment, victim advocacy, and coordinated abuse-response services among policymakers and the public.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text is strongly supportive and appreciative. The resolution frames Children’s Advocacy Centers as essential partners in combating child abuse and neglect and emphasizes the seriousness and growing scale of the problem. No votes or committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded opposition or debate in the available materials.
Contention
There is no documented contention in the provided record. The resolution appears noncontroversial on its face, focusing on recognition rather than policy change. If any disagreement existed, it is not reflected in the available committee discussion or voting history. The only substantive emphasis in the text is on the urgency of child abuse prevention and the importance of advocacy centers’ services.