The bill H. 3097 proposes amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically targeting the terminology and provisions related to adoption. The primary change is the redefinition of "special needs child" to "child with challenging adoption circumstances" in Section 63-9-30, which outlines the criteria for children who may require additional support for adoption. This redefinition is reflected throughout various sections of the adoption laws, including Sections 63-9-60, 63-9-750, 63-9-1370, 63-9-1750, and 63-9-2030, ensuring consistency in language and application. Additionally, the bill amends Section 12-6-1140 regarding tax deductions for adoptive parents, aligning the terminology with the new definition.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of expediting the adoption process for children classified as having challenging adoption circumstances, prohibiting delays or denials based solely on this classification. It mandates that the Department of Social Services must actively seek adoptive placements for these children and conduct thorough assessments to meet their individual needs. The bill also ensures that children who previously qualified as special needs will continue to receive their enhanced adoption subsidies after the new terminology takes effect. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and clarify the adoption process in South Carolina while promoting the welfare of children facing challenging circumstances.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 63-9-30, 63-9-60, 12-6-1140, 63-7-1700
Latest Version: 63-9-30, 63-9-60, 12-6-1140, 63-7-1700
12/06/2024: 63-9-30, 63-9-60, 12-6-1140, 63-7-1700