Responsible Fathers Registry – Helps Children in Foster Care

Rep. Joan Brady (R) Richland District 78 - The SC House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday, April 02, 2009 establishing a registry for notification to fathers in the event of pending adoption proceedings or termination of parental rights. The Registry gives “putative” fathers, those who are thought to be the father, a way to protect their parental rights.

“The registry will potentially shorten the time children remain in our foster care system. It also provides a mechanism for those fathers who actually do want to be found,” said Rep. Brady

If a man who is not otherwise involved in the child’s life wants to receive notice of a legal proceeding such as an adoption or termination of parental rights, he would provide his name and address to the registry along with the name of the mother and child. The registry is confidential and only for notification in TPR and adoption proceedings.

The bill, H.3011 now goes to the SC Senate for consideration