Representative Nancy Mace Visits CYDC Campus

Press Release

Youth attending Freedom School, hosted at Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) and in partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund, got a visit Monday from South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace. Freedom School provides enrichment through a model curriculum that supports children and families and seeks to prevent summer learning loss. 

After beginning the day reading to youth participating in the program, Rep. Mace also met with residents and CYDC staff, toured CYDC’s North Charleston campus, and got to see firsthand several programs and services offered by the nonprofit that works to support healthy, thriving families throughout the Lowcountry.

“I want to thank the CYDC for bringing this important issue to my attention and for allowing me to come meet some of their incredible students,” Rep. Mace said.

Rep. Mace received many questions from residents about her role as a U.S. representative. She discussed her background, job responsibilities, and how her work helps organizations like CYDC.

“Rep. Mace’s visit had a very positive impact on the youth in our Freedom School program, particularly as they’re making policy decisions that impact the well-being of youth and families,” said CYCD CEO Beverly Hardin.

Rep. Mace recently joined 21 sponsors of H.R. 5414, which amends title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure that children in foster care who are placed in a QRTP are eligible for Medicaid. This bill was introduced in September of 2021 and was referred to the Subcommittee on Health that same month. The identical Senate bill, S. 2689 has also been introduced and was referred to the Committee on Finance in August of 2021.

“HR 5414 would allow CYDC to provide more services to youth in need.  Making this change and removing unnecessary restrictions to Medicaid funding would improve support for CYDC programs that provide critical mental and behavioral treatment for youth in need of services,” Hardin added.

With the rigorous standards for Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) now in place as a result of the passage of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), the restriction for Medicaid funding to be limited to programs serving youth in foster care with 16 or less beds is now unnecessary and prohibits youth from receiving much needed services.

“Children, especially those in foster care, should have access to all the resources and support they need to succeed,” said Rep. Mace. “This is why I support the Ensuring Medicaid for Children in Foster Care Act, which will help provide healthcare resources for children in foster care who need it most.”

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