South Carolina Department of Mental Health v. State

Toal, Justice:

This is a juvenile proceeding out of which arose questions concerning the authority of the Family Court to commit children within its jurisdiction to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH). Specifically, the issue raised on appeal is whether the Family Court has the authority to commit juveniles to DMH for “safekeeping.” Although the specific case involving Darren J. is now moot, this appeal was allowed because it raises a question that is capable of repetition, but which usually becomes moot before it can be reviewed.

*77Darren J., a seventeen year old minor, was…