Who: Councilman Tyler D. Bailey, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron E. Gipson
What: City of Columbia Council, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office all agree that change needs to occur to protect and guide our youth.
At yesterday’s City Council meeting (Tuesday, February 18, 2025), At-Large Councilman Tyler D. Bailey made a referral for the creation of a Parental Support & Accountability Court in the Richland County – City of Columbia Committee.
The proposed Parental Support and Accountability Court would focus on addressing parents’ roles in their children’s criminal behavior while providing access to resources and structured intervention programs. These programs aim to strengthen parenting skills, address underlying challenges, and ultimately reduce recidivism. The court would also integrate services such as parenting education, counseling, and social support networks, alongside diversionary measures, to tackle the root causes of parental neglect and inadequate supervision—prioritizing long-term solutions over punitive measures.
When: Today, February 19, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Richland County Court House (Courtroom 3A – 3rd Floor), 1701 Main St., Columbia SC, 29201