Bill > SB2264

This bill establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within the Office of the Ombudsman to provide oversight and evaluation of services provided to children and their families by various state agencies, including the Department of Human Services, which administers child welfare and foster care services. This new office will be headed by a Child Advocate appointed by the legislature, and will have the power to investigate complaints, review records, conduct site visits, and make recommendations for improvements, including proposed legislation, to ensure children receive timely and safe services. The bill also mandates annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and the public, and appropriates funds for the establishment and operation of this office, which is intended to increase accountability, protect children, maximize federal funding, and restore public confidence in the state's child welfare system.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2264&year=2026