Heather Biance

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program State Strategic Plan for South Carolina focuses on promoting safe communities through crime reduction, with specific attention to drugs, violent crime, mental health, and officer retention/recruitment. Key priorities include law enforcement programs, prosecution and courts programs, prevention and education programs, and mental health programs. The plan emphasizes data-driven strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and resource allocation to address challenges such as drug trafficking, violent crime rates, mental health issues, and the need for improved coordination among criminal justice agencies.

The meeting included an introduction of the new Director of Violence Prevention. Updates were provided by OHSJP and SCDJJ, including information on funding for evidence-based practices and improvements to the SCDJJ campus. DSS reported on rate increases for child placing agencies and foster parents, as well as the increasing percentage of teens with significant emotional needs entering DSS care. The System Improvement Committee discussed submitting a new annual report and working on a new Three Year Plan. The council discussed and approved FY 2024 Grant Recommendations with stipulations for data reporting from several subgrantees.

The meeting included agency updates from OHSJP, DJJ, the Department of Children's Advocacy, DSS, and DMH, covering topics such as compliance monitoring, grant applications, facility overcrowding, community initiatives, critical incident notifications, and collaborative responses to parent/child conflict issues. Committee updates were provided by the Executive Committee, Emerging Leaders, System Improvement, Tribal, Government Affairs, and Grants Committee, addressing matters like youth recruitment, trust-building, state priorities, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. The council discussed South Carolina's compliance with DSO and considered a planning retreat. Project updates were given by the 15th Judicial Circuit and the Children's Law Center.

The meeting included agency updates from OHSJP and SCDJJ, with discussions on renovations at the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) and Midlands Evaluation Center (MEC), as well as the transition of juvenile detentions from Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) to DJJ. Updates were provided on the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and a new grant for the SC Human Trafficking Task Force. A presentation was given on addressing minority youth contact with law enforcement. The council also discussed and approved FY 2025 grant recommendations and a Waiver of Required Pass Thru Funds for the Title II Formula grant application.

The meeting included agency updates from DSS, DMH, and DJJ, covering topics such as foster care entries, mental health support, and juvenile detention alternatives. Staff updates were provided by OHSJP, along with a compliance report. Committee updates were given by the Executive Committee, Emerging Leaders, Tribal, and Government Affairs. Subgrantee introductions and updates were presented by various organizations including Columbia Urban League, Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office, JDAI, Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office, and Children's Law Center.