Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR186

Introduced
3/11/22  

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Performance And Management Audit Of The Child Welfare Services Branch Of The Department Of Human Services.

Impact

Should SCR186 be enacted, it would enable an independent audit to thoroughly review the Child Welfare Services Branch's practices, focusing on several critical areas, such as the investigation of child abuse allegations, management of foster care cases, and overall policy compliance. The audit's findings could potentially lead to significant reforms aimed at better resource allocation and enhanced oversight of the CWSB's operations, ultimately aiming to improve the outcomes for children under state care.

Summary

SCR186 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, requesting a comprehensive performance and management audit of the Child Welfare Services Branch (CWSB) of the Department of Human Services. This bill aims to address concerns regarding the effectiveness of CWSB's operations, as highlighted by previous evaluations showing a lack of improvement in compliance with federal standards for child welfare. The push for this audit follows a series of public inquiries and tragic events that have raised doubts about the adequacy of resources, policies, and procedures in place to protect vulnerable children in the state.

Contention

Among the notable points of contention regarding SCR186 is the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the Child Welfare Services Branch. Critics argue that the audit is a necessary step for ensuring that CWSB is meeting its mandate to protect children from abuse and neglect. However, some stakeholders might express concerns about the potential bureaucratic implications of the audit process and whether any resulting recommendations would be effectively implemented. The need for additional personnel and improved resources to address existing deficiencies within the agency further complicates the discussions surrounding this resolution.

Companion Bills

HI SR179

Same As Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Performance And Management Audit Of The Child Welfare Services Branch Of The Department Of Human Services.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR169

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Program Audit Of The State's Child Protective Services System.

HI SR143

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Program Audit Of The State's Child Protective Services System.

HI SCR192

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI SR164

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI HCR50

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.

HI HR39

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.

HI SCR157

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Capital Improvement Program, Including Repair And Maintenance, Of The Department Of Education.

HI HCR25

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Financial Audit Of The Hawaii Film And Creative Industries Development Special Fund.

HI SCR141

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Department Of Education's Statewide Backlog Of Capital Improvement Repair And Maintenance Projects.

HI HCR78

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Sunrise Review Of The Potential Impacts Of Licensure And Regulation Of Certain Human Resources Management Personnel.

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