Bill > HR58

This Resolution requests the Judiciary, which refers to the court system, to conduct a study examining whether it is necessary to automatically require referrals to the Department of Human Services (DHS) in every instance of alleged domestic abuse where a child or an incapacitated person (someone unable to care for themselves) is involved with a family or household member. Currently, when a parent seeks a restraining order due to domestic abuse in a household with a child, the entity helping that parent is already required to refer the case to DHS for potential intervention or investigation by its Child Welfare Services Branch. While judges have the discretion to refer cases to DHS for investigation when they believe it's needed for family safety and well-being, this Resolution questions if making such referrals mandatory in all these specific domestic abuse situations is truly necessary. The Judiciary is asked to report its findings and any legislative recommendations to the Legislature by a specific date.