Congratulations to the #USCRiceLaw Children’s Law Center for being awarded a $587,398 grant from dukeendowment! Dispersed over three years, the grant will fund the evaluation of the South Carolina direct representation pilot program for children in foster care. Serving children in Berkeley, Sumter and Clarendon counties, the program provides children and youth in foster care with their own attorney, giving them a direct voice in court and helping ensure their needs, safety and long-term well-being are fully represented in legal decisions. The evaluation will measure the program’s impact on court timelines, how often children and youth move between homes, how long they spend in foster care, whether they return to family or are adopted, and overall cost savings. Receiving the grant this month is especially impactful as May is #NationalFosterCareMonth. 📅