SB 952: DHS; OWR; Child Welfare System; Diversion and Intervention; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that more initiatives must be established to address the unmet needs of children and families in the State's child welfare system.

     The legislature also finds that the malama ohana working group was established within the office of wellness and resilience to seek, design, and recommend transformative changes to the State's existing child welfare system.  In a report submitted to the 2025 legislature, the malama ohana working group recommended establishment of preventive programs and comprehensive services to reduce the risk of families entering the child welfare system.

     The legislature further finds that the child welfare services branch of the department of human services has struggled to fill vacant positions, resulting in high caseloads for existing staff.

     The legislature also finds that other states have successfully reduced the number of families involved in the states' child welfare systems by implementing innovative programs that include peer support and system navigation, resources and financial assistance, and parenting and family‑strengthening classes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of human services to establish a five-year child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program to provide services for families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at the risk of reinvolvement, with child welfare services.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of human services shall collaborate with the office of wellness and resilience to design a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program.  The department of human services shall implement and administer the pilot program.

     (b)  The pilot program shall include:

     (1)  Trained, trauma-informed peer support navigators with lived experience to assist with enrolling families in public benefit initiatives, as well as community-based and cultural programming;

     (2)  Financial assistance and the provision of resources to meet families' food, clothing, hygiene, housing, parenting, childcare, household, and transportation needs; and

     (3)  A trauma-informed intervention program that improves caregiver-child relationships and parenting skills through teaching and coaching on positive communication, child behavior management, and calming and emotional regulation strategies for both the caregiver and child.

     (c)  The department of human services, in collaboration with the office of wellness and resilience, shall submit a report of the department's findings and recommendations regarding the child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2030.

     (d)  The department of human services may contract with public and private entities to design, implement, and administer the pilot program.

     (e)  The pilot program shall cease to exist on July 1, 2030.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to design, implement, and administer a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program pursuant to this Act, including contracting with public and private entities to provide necessary services.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DHS; OWR; Child Welfare System; Diversion and Intervention; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to design a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services.  Specifies that the Department of Human Services shall implement and administer the pilot program.  Allows the Department to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that more initiatives must be established to address the unmet needs of children and families in the State's child welfare system.

     The legislature also finds that the malama ohana working group was established within the office of wellness and resilience to seek, design, and recommend transformative changes to the State's existing child welfare system.  In a report submitted to the 2025 legislature, the malama ohana working group recommended establishment of preventative programs and comprehensive services to reduce the risk of families entering the child welfare system.

     The legislature further finds that the child welfare services branch of the department of human services has struggled to fill vacant positions, resulting in high caseloads for existing staff.

     The legislature also finds that other states have successfully reduced the number of families involved in the states' child welfare systems by implementing innovative programs that include peer support and system navigation, resources and financial assistance, and parenting and family‑strengthening classes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of human services to establish a five-year child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program to provide services for families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at the risk of reinvolvement, with child welfare services.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of human services shall collaborate with the office of wellness and resilience to design a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program.  The department of human services shall implement and administer the pilot program.

     (b)  The pilot program shall include:

     (1)  Trained, trauma-informed peer support navigators with lived experience to assist with enrolling families in public benefit initiatives, as well as community-based and cultural programming;

     (2)  Financial assistance and the provision of resources to meet families' food, clothing, hygiene, housing, parenting, childcare, household, and transportation needs; and

     (3)  A trauma-informed intervention program that improves caregiver-child relationships and parenting skills through teaching and coaching on positive communication, child behavior management, and calming and emotional regulation strategies for both the caregiver and child.

     (c)  The department of human services, in collaboration with the office of wellness and resilience, shall submit a report of the department's findings and recommendations regarding the child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2030.

     (d)  The department of human services may contract with public and private entities to design, implement, and administer the pilot program.

     (e)  The pilot program shall cease to exist July 1, 2030.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to design, implement, and administer a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program pursuant to this Act, including contracting with public and private entities to provide necessary services.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.

Report Title:

DHS; OWR; Child Welfare System; Diversion and Intervention; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Requires the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience to design a 5-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with child welfare services.  Specifies that the Department of Human Services shall implement and administer the pilot program.  Allows the Department to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  (SD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that more initiatives must be established to address the unmet needs of children and families in the child welfare system.

     The legislature also finds that the malama ohana working group was established within the office of wellness and resilience to seek, design, and recommend transformative changes to the State's existing child welfare system.  In their report submitted to the 2025 legislature, the malama ohana working group recommended establishment of preventative programs and comprehensive services to reduce the risk of families entering the child welfare system.

     The legislature further finds that the child welfare services branch of the department of human services has struggled to fill vacant positions, resulting in high caseloads for existing staff.

     The legislature also finds that other states have been successful in reducing the number of families involved in their child welfare systems by implementing innovative programs that include peer support and system navigation; resources and financial assistance; and parenting and family-strengthening classes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the office of wellness and resilience to establish a five-year child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program to provide services for families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at the risk or reinvolvement, with child welfare services.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The office of wellness and resilience shall design, implement, and administer, a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program. 

     (b)  The pilot program shall include:

     (1)  Trained, trauma-informed peer support navigators with lived experience to assist with enrollment in public benefit initiatives, as well as community-based and cultural programming;

     (2)  Financial assistance and provision of resources for food, clothing, hygiene, housing, parenting, childcare, household, and transportation needs; and

     (3)  A trauma-informed intervention program that improves caregiver-child relationships and parenting skills through teaching and coaching on positive communication, and child behavior management, calming, and emotional regulation strategies for both the caregiver and child.

     (c)  The office of wellness and resilience shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations for the child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2030.

     (d)  The office of wellness and resilience may contract with public and private entities to design, implement, and administer the pilot program.

     (e)  The pilot program shall cease to exist July 1, 2030.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to design, implement, and administer a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program pursuant to this Act, including contracting with public and private entities to provide necessary services.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of wellness and resilience for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.

Report Title:

OWR; Child Welfare System; Diversion and Intervention; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to design, implement, and administer a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with child welfare services.  Allows the Office to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Child Welfare Services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that more initiatives must be established to address the unmet needs of children and families in the child welfare system.

     The legislature also finds that the malama ohana working group was established within the office of wellness and resilience to seek, design, and recommend transformative changes to the State's existing child welfare system.  In their report submitted to the 2025 legislature, the malama ohana working group recommended establishment of preventative programs and comprehensive services to reduce the risk of families entering the child welfare system.

     The legislature further finds that the child welfare services branch of the department of human services has struggled to fill vacant positions, resulting in high caseloads for existing staff.

     The legislature also finds that other states have been successful in reducing the number of families involved in their child welfare systems by implementing innovative programs that include peer support and system navigation; resources and financial assistance; and parenting and family-strengthening classes.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the office of wellness and resilience to establish a two-year child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program to provide services for families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at the risk or reinvolvement, with child welfare services.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The office of wellness and resilience shall design, implement, and administer, a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program. 

     (b)  The pilot program shall include:

     (1)  Trained, trauma-informed peer support navigators with lived experience to assist with enrollment in public benefit initiatives, as well as community-based and cultural programming;

     (2)  Financial assistance and provision of resources for food, clothing, hygiene, housing, parenting, childcare, household, and transportation needs; and

     (3)  A trauma-informed intervention program that improves caregiver-child relationships and parenting skills through teaching and coaching on positive communication, and child behavior management, calming, and emotional regulation strategies for both the caregiver and child.

     (c)  The office of wellness and resilience shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations for the child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     (d)  The office of wellness and resilience may contract with public and private entities to design, implement, and administer the pilot program.

     (e)  The pilot program shall cease to exist July 1, 2027.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,714,292 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to design, implement, and administer a child welfare system diversion and intervention pilot program pursuant to this Act, including contracting with public and private entities to provide necessary services.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of wellness and resilience for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

OWR; Child Welfare System; Diversion and Intervention; Pilot Program; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience to design, implement, and administer a two-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with child welfare services.  Allows the office to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1980

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 952

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 952, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require and appropriate funds for the Department of Human Services to design, implement, and administer a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to provide services for families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services; and

     (2)  Require the Department of Human Services to collaborate with the Office of Wellness and Resilience when designing the Pilot Program and submitting a joint report to the Legislature.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Wellness and Resilience; Hawaii Youth Services Network; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Neighborhood Place of Puna; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaiʻi; National Center for Youth Law; Mālama ʻOhana Working Group; and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Human Services; and Hawaii Coalition for Child Protective Reform.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 952, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 952, S.D. 2, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1211

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 952

      S.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred S.B. No. 952, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Human Services to establish a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to provide services for families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at the risk of reinvolvement, with child welfare services.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Wellness and Resilience; Department of Human Services; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Hawai‘i Youth Services Network; Hawaii Coalition for Child Protective Reform; Opportunity for Youth Action Hawai‘i; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Ohana Unity Party; and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that additional initiatives are necessary to address gaps in the State's child welfare system and provide meaningful support to families in need.  By establishing a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program, this measure fosters long-term stability and better outcomes for children and caregivers through access to trauma-informed peer support navigators, financial assistance, and other essential services.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 952, S.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 766

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 952

       S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 952, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require and appropriate moneys for the Office of Wellness and Resilience to design, implement, and administer a five-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention pilot program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with child welfare services.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Office of Wellness and Resilience in the Office of the Governor, Department of Human Services, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and three individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the pilot program required and funded by this measure will help prevent child abuse and neglect by providing resources, financial assistance, peer support, cultural programming, parental skill-building, and other assistance to at-risk families.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Specifying that the pilot program should be designed by the Department of Human Services in collaboration with the Office of Wellness and Resilience and implemented and administered by the Department; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive edits for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 952, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 952, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 627

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 952

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 952 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Office of Wellness and Resilience to design, implement, and administer a two-year Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program to support families and children involved, at risk of involvement, or at risk of reinvolvement with Child Welfare Services;

     (2)  Allow the Office to contract with public and private entities to provide necessary services; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Mālama ʻOhana Working Group, Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, and two individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

     Your Committee finds that more initiatives must be established to address the unmet needs of children and families in the State's child welfare system.  To this end, the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group was established within the Office of Wellness and Resilience to seek, design, and recommend transformative changes to the State's existing child welfare system.  The establishment of the Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program in this measure is based on the Working Group's recommendation for preventative programs and comprehensive services to reduce the risk of families entering the child welfare system.  The Pilot Program, through its wide variety of support and assistance mechanisms for families involved or at-risk of involvement with the State's child welfare system, will strengthen the existing child welfare system and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of families in the State.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Extending the duration of the Child Welfare System Diversion and Intervention Pilot Program from two years to five years;

     (2)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (3)  Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose; and

     (4)  Inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 952, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 952, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,