(A) If a child is found to be a proper subject for voluntary admission, the director of a treatment program or facility shall admit for treatment an individual who is:

(1) sixteen years of age or older and who applies for admission;

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 44-24-20

  • Child: means a person under the age of eighteen years. See South Carolina Code 44-24-10
  • Court: means the probate court unless otherwise specified. See South Carolina Code 44-24-10
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.

(2) under sixteen years of age if his parent or legal guardian applies for admission on his behalf.

(B) A governmental agency, acting as legal guardian, admitting a child voluntarily, shall notify the child’s guardian ad litem within forty-eight hours. If a guardian ad litem has not been appointed, the agency shall petition the court for appointment within seventy-two hours.