Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience Establish The Malama Ohana Working Group To Identify, Design, And Recommend Transformative Changes To The State's Child Welfare System.
The formation of the working group is intended to create a platform for increased community involvement and expert guidance in redesigning the child welfare system. The resolution outlines that the working group will consist of members from multiple organizations, including the Department of Human Services, educational institutions, and nonprofits, aiming to leverage their expertise and connections to enhance the system's delivery of services. This move reflects a shift towards a more inclusive, culturally sensitive approach in dealing with child welfare challenges, particularly those affecting Native Hawaiians.
Senate Resolution 79, introduced in the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii, calls for the establishment of the Malama Ohana working group under the Office of Wellness and Resilience. This initiative aims to pursue transformative changes within the state's child welfare system, which has faced ongoing criticism and concern regarding its effectiveness, particularly relating to the overrepresentation of Native Hawaiian families. The resolution recognizes that the challenges within the system are complex and require collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including community organizations, service providers, and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system.
There are notable points of contention surrounding the child welfare system in Hawaii, particularly regarding the current inadequacies that lead to negative outcomes for children and families. Critics of the existing system argue that it often fails to address the unique cultural and social needs of Native Hawaiian families, leading to disproportionate representation within the system. They advocate for reforms that incorporate native cultural practices which could resonate more effectively with those affected. The success of the Malama Ohana working group will hinge on its ability to balance the diverse viewpoints and experiences of its members while focusing on actionable strategies that improve welfare outcomes for all children in the state.