Bill > SR90

This Resolution requests the Office of the Auditor to update its assessment standard for the Child Welfare Services Branch, a division responsible for protecting children in Hawaii, particularly those who are wards of the state or have experienced abuse or neglect. This update is to be conducted in accordance with a previous legislative request from 2010 (House Concurrent Resolution No. 165) and should incorporate a second Program Improvement Plan mandated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2010, as well as an evaluation of the triage procedure required by the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The resolution highlights recent concerns, including a tragic child abuse case, ongoing difficulties in the Child Welfare Services Branch's performance reviews, and significant staff vacancies, suggesting the Auditor's office can help assess improvements and address staffing issues. The Auditor is required to submit a performance audit with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2023.