Bill > SCR185

This concurrent resolution urges the Hawaii State Legislature to conduct mandatory inquiries into child fatalities and serious injuries involving the Department of Human Services' (DHS) Child Welfare Services. The resolution highlights a troubling history of nineteen documented cases since 1997, involving children who suffered severe injuries or were killed despite being under state child welfare oversight. These cases include instances of abuse, neglect, improper reunification with parents, and systemic failures in child protection. The resolution identifies four primary causes of these tragic outcomes: communication breakdowns between staff and agencies, inexperienced social workers, failure to follow established procedures, and inadequate resources. The proposed inquiries would require comprehensive reviews of systemic failures, resource allocation, and departmental accountability, with the ultimate goal of establishing stronger safeguards to protect children under DHS care. The Legislature aims to create more transparent processes similar to those in states like Colorado, ensuring that future tragedies can be prevented by thoroughly investigating past incidents and implementing meaningful reforms in the child welfare system.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=185&year=2025