SC S0823

Family Courts must consider whether no-contact orders or supervised-contact orders are necessary when terminating parental rights or finalizing adoptions, upon motion of a party or at the court's discretion.

Courts must evaluate factors including history of violence, abuse, stalking, or harassment; the child's age and preferences; and the effect of contact on the child's safety and attachment to the adoptive family.

No-contact and supervised-contact orders remain in effect until the child turns 18, and violations may be enforced through civil contempt or criminal referral to law enforcement.

Parties with knowledge of criminal incident reports, arrest records, convictions, or documented abuse/neglect involving the child or siblings must disclose this evidence to the court when contact orders are being considered.

Children are not prohibited from initiating contact themselves, and courts may modify or terminate orders upon motion showing modification is in the child's best interests.