Bill > SCR102

This Concurrent Resolution formally requests the Office of the Auditor, an independent government agency that examines how public funds are spent, to conduct a performance audit of the Child Welfare Services Branch within the Department of Human Services. This action is prompted by serious concerns regarding the branch's ability to protect children, highlighted by a tragic child abuse case and the branch's repeated failure to meet federal standards in child welfare reviews conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families. The audit will specifically examine the branch's policies and procedures for ensuring child safety and well-being in both their homes and in out-of-home care like foster care, guardianship, and adoption, as well as investigate the branch's difficulties in hiring and keeping staff, particularly social workers, which has resulted in a significant number of vacant positions. The Office of the Auditor is required to submit its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislative changes to the Hawaii State Legislature by early 2023.