Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR143

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The audit aims to assess various aspects of the child protective services system, including communication between agencies, adequacy of training for staff in identifying abuse and neglect, and the manageability of caseloads. Furthermore, the audit will examine the resources available to each agency and evaluate the effectiveness of decision-making processes related to screening, case selection, and child safety. The findings and recommendations from the audit will be submitted to the Legislature prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025, setting the stage for potential reforms.

Summary

Senate Resolution 143 (SR143) requests the Hawaii Auditor to conduct a comprehensive program audit of the state's child protective services system. The resolution emphasizes the importance of ensuring the wellbeing, safety, and stability of Hawaii's children and families. It notes the involvement of several state and county agencies in the child protective services system, highlighting a recent report indicating over ten thousand cases of child abuse reported between 2017 and 2021. High-profile cases of child abuse have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the system and the potential failures that led to these tragedies.

Contention

While the resolution intends to improve the state's child protective services, it may face contention from various stakeholders regarding the methodologies and findings of the audit. Discussions may arise about the effectiveness of the existing system and what changes should be prioritized. Concerns regarding the implementation of recommendations may also emerge, as various agencies and stakeholders might have differing perspectives on child welfare issues. The engagement with national entities and local stakeholders aims to provide a well-rounded view, potentially mitigating some points of contention.

Companion Bills

HI SCR169

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

Previously Filed As

HI SCR169

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

HI SR179

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

HI SCR186

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

HI SCR102

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

HI HCR86

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

HI HR77

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

HI SR90

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Update Its Child Welfare Services Branch Assessment Standard Pursuant To House Concurrent Resolution No. 165, Regular Session Of Hawaii 2010.

HI SR108

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of All The Programs Within The State Historic Preservation Division Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HR79

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Forensic Audit Of The Department Of Education.

HI SR103

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Financial And Performance Assessment Of The Managed-care Organizations That Administer The State's Medicaid Program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.