Bill > SB824

This bill aims to support families with children aged zero to five by establishing peer-to-peer support programs through the Family Health Services Division of the Hawaii Department of Health. The legislation is motivated by the significant challenges faced by parents and caregivers, including high rates of child abuse and neglect, with approximately 600 confirmed child abuse cases annually in Hawaii. The bill appropriates $860,000 over two fiscal years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027) to fund these programs, which will include creating two new full-time equivalent (FTE) program specialist positions, purchasing service contracts with neighborhood peer support groups, and funding addiction and child welfare peer support programs. The legislature believes these programs can provide a cost-effective safety net for families, helping parents build self-confidence, learn parenting skills, and access necessary resources, ultimately potentially saving millions in future intervention costs. By investing in early support for families with young children, the bill seeks to reduce negative parenting practices, support families experiencing challenges like intimate partner violence or substance abuse, and mitigate the long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=824&year=2026