Bill > HB900

This bill establishes a working group within the Hawaii Judiciary to improve legal services for youth in the child welfare system, building upon recommendations from the previously established Malama Ohana working group. The working group will be comprised of diverse members including judges, court representatives, state agency representatives, legal experts, youth with lived experience in the child welfare system, and a parent who has navigated the system. The group's primary tasks include reviewing recommendations related to court processes, examining legal service models from other jurisdictions through site visits, and developing a pilot program to test counsel services for youth. Members will specifically focus on addressing issues raised by youth who felt uninformed about their cases, excluded from decision-making, and lacking adequate legal representation. The working group is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and proposed legislation to the legislature before the 2027 regular session and will cease to exist on June 30, 2026. The bill also appropriates state general funds to support the working group's activities, including site visits and report preparation, reflecting a commitment to systematically improving child welfare legal services in Hawaii.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=900&year=2026