Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Child Welfare Services Branch Of The Department Of Human Services.
The performance audit proposed by HCR86 aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Child Welfare Services Branch, especially regarding its policies and procedures concerning child safety, and out-of-home placements, including foster care and adoption. Additionally, it will evaluate how well the branch is managing to recruit and retain the necessary staff to fulfill its responsibilities. With an alarming vacancy rate for social workers at 22%, the audit could lead to proposed changes that may improve the overall functioning of the service, which in turn would support better outcomes for children at risk.
HCR86 is a resolution requesting the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Child Welfare Services Branch of the Department of Human Services in Hawaii. This bill addresses significant failures within the Child Welfare Services, particularly in light of a tragic incident involving the abuse and subsequent murder of a child under the branch’s care. The request for an audit highlights the need for a thorough examination of the policies and procedures intended to ensure child safety and well-being, as well as addressing recruitment and retention issues for staff, particularly social workers.
The discussion surrounding HCR86 is marked by a clear recognition of the past failures of the Child Welfare Services Branch, especially considering its inability to pass federal reviews related to child safety outcomes. The resolution not only aims to hold the department accountable for previous inadequacies but also seeks to foster confidence in the state's ability to protect its children. Given the gravity of the incidents that initiated this call for action, the bill underscores ongoing concerns regarding the adequacy of oversight and the resources available to ensure the welfare of vulnerable children.