Relating To Child Custody.
The changes proposed in SB237 will amend existing statutes relating to child custody evaluations by setting new standards for who can serve as evaluators. It will allow individuals with relevant education and training to act as evaluators in the absence of licensed professionals, provided that they complete the required training on domestic violence. The bill will require a certification process, enhancing accountability for evaluators and potentially improving the safety and well-being of children in custody cases.
Senate Bill 237 aims to enhance the regulation of child custody evaluators in Hawaii by mandating that specific qualifications and training be met regularly. The bill recognizes the importance of understanding domestic violence dynamics in custody evaluations and requires child custody evaluators to undergo training on this subject every three years. By equipping evaluators with a comprehensive understanding of domestic violence, the bill seeks to ensure that custody recommendations genuinely reflect the best interests of children involved in custody disputes, considering how domestic violence may impact these decisions.
While supporters of SB237 argue that the bill will improve the quality of child custody evaluations by prioritizing training on domestic violence, skepticism remains regarding its implementation and the logistical challenges of tracking evaluator qualifications. Critics may worry about the sufficiency of training and whether the proposed standards could inadvertently limit the pool of qualified evaluators available, particularly in areas with fewer licensed professionals.
The proposed effective date of the act is set for December 31, 2050, which indicates a long lead time for both evaluators and the judicial system to adapt to these changes. This timeline could allow for considerations and amendments based on feedback from stakeholders in the child custody evaluation field.