Our Advocacy

Group Photo from the ECCA Event at the State house.
On January 21, Family Connection joined more than 75 advocates at the State House for the unveiling of the 2023-2024 Early Childhood Common Agenda focused on legislative priorities that support families and caregivers of young children!

Family Connection of South Carolina changes the lives of families with children who have a disability or special healthcare need by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion.

As the voice for South Carolina parents and the state’s designated Parent Training and Information Center under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we work to ensure families are partners in all decision-making to inform federal, state, and local policies that have an impact on children and youth living with a disability or special healthcare needs.

Our policy agenda focuses on ensuring state and federal legislation is family-centered and supports parents as they navigate each stage of their child’s journey and chart a course for success.

2023 Family Connection of SC Policy Agenda
(Coming Soon!)

Federal Advocacy Partners

Family Voices –  Family Voices strives to ensure that federal policies advance the health and well-being of CYSHCN and their families, promote family-centered health care, and reflect the voices of families.

State Advocacy Partners

SC Coalition for Safer Schools – The 2023 School Safety Policy Agenda addresses both in-school and out-of-school factors that contribute to violence against children in South Carolina.
Early Childhood Common Agenda – Statewide coalition of advocates dedicated to improving the outcomes for young children (ages 0 through 5) and their families.

CoverSC – Family Connection is a member of CoverSC, a coalition of organizations and individuals working to strengthen the health and economy of South Carolina through affordable, sustainable healthcare coverage.

Additional Information and Resources

Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children – Is a consortium of appointed citizens, legislators, and agency directors charged with identifying key issues facing South Carolina’s children and  making recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to use in consideration of policy, funding, and legislation. Read the 2023 Annual Report.

Our Impact

Since 1990, Family Connection has served more than 100,000 families. Because of individual donations and local, state and federal support, we’re able to continue working to meet the varied needs of families and individuals throughout the state.

What makes Family Connection of South Carolina uniquely qualified to serve families?

We are the only Parent Training Center required in the federal, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) statue.

We offer services and trainings at no cost to families.

85% of our employees are parents of children or youth with a disability.

You can help families connect with the resources they need. Donate today!

To learn more or get connected, call our Support and Information Line at 1-800-578-8750.

state map of south carolina with regions