Urging The Legislature To Conduct Mandatory Inquiries Into All Fatalities And Serious Injuries That Occurred To Children Involved In Child Welfare Services.
The inquiry is intended to uncover systemic issues, such as communication failures and resource inadequacies within the DHS. It aims to emphasize the need for accountability and to develop preventative strategies to protect children under the department's care. If implemented, this could lead to significant legislative changes aimed at improving child welfare practices, ensuring that similar tragedies do not recur in the future. Current practices, including a child death review panel, fall short of public disclosure and accountability when compared to other states that have more transparent systems.
SCR185 urges the Hawaii Legislature to conduct mandatory inquiries into fatalities and serious injuries of children involved in child welfare services. The measure is a response to troubling statistics reported since 1997, including nineteen fatalities and serious injuries and over ten million dollars paid in lawsuits against the Department of Human Services (DHS). Notable cases highlighted in the bill showcase systemic failures within the child welfare system that have led to tragic outcomes for children, including improper reunifications and neglect in foster care placements.
While the bill calls for necessary improvements, it raises questions about the existing systemic issues within the DHS that need to be addressed to ensure child safety. Advocates for reform argue that without comprehensive transparency and strict accountability measures, the amendments may not be sufficient. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the resources needed to conduct the inquiries thoroughly, given the complexity and volume of past cases. Engaging in this inquiry reflects a commitment to governmental responsibility while posing challenges associated with pre-existing systemic inadequacies.