Gov. Sanford Signs Kendra’s Law (PRESS RELEASE)

September 17th, 2010

LAW AIMED AT STRICTER REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDCARE PROVIDERS

Columbia, S.C. - September 17, 2010 - Joining Patrick and Michelle Gaddie and their daughter Kendra, as well as legislators and crime victims advocates, Governor Mark Sanford today signed S.348 - known as “Kendra’s Law” - a bill aimed at improving safety standards and caregiver training for those registered as childcare providers across South Carolina.
“This bill represents a small but significant step toward greater protection for those the Bible calls ‘the least of these,’” Gov. Sanford said. “It’s a bitter ironic that state law requires far more training to braid hair than it does to operate some childcare businesses. Kendra’s Law moves us in the right direction with regard to making priorities as a state, and for that reason I thank Senator Mike Fair and Representative Shannon Erickson for their work on the bill. More than anything, though, I’d give credit to Kendra’s parents, Patrick and Michelle, for their perseverance and indeed tireless efforts to make change in the legislative process and bring some good out of what was a difficult challenge for their family.”
S.348 requires Family Child Care Homes (those keeping 6 or fewer children in their own residences) to complete a minimum of 2 hours of training per year.


DSS State Director Kathleen Hayes, Ph.D, Investigator Richard Carter, Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Laura Hudson, executive director of the S.C. Crime Victims' Council, Governor Mark Sanford and Patrick and Michelle Gaddie, Kendra's parents
(left to right) DSS State Director Kathleen Hayes, Ph.D, Investigator Richard Carter, Richland County Sheriff's Dept.,  Laura Hudson, executive director of the S.C. Crime Victims' Council, Governor Mark Sanford and Patrick and Michelle Gaddie, Kendra's parents