Bill > HB1801

This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services to contract with organizations that specialize in domestic violence to provide training and on-site staff within Child Welfare Services Branch offices, aiming to improve how cases involving domestic violence are screened for and addressed. The bill acknowledges the work of the malama ohana working group, which recommended strengthening the child welfare system's ability to handle cases complicated by domestic violence, recognizing the need to distinguish between parents who cooperate with the system and those who might misuse it. It highlights that child welfare social workers already provide support through counseling and connecting families with resources, and that in 2025, a significant number of cases involved children experiencing domestic violence. To better manage these cases, the bill outlines three initiatives: specialized, comprehensive domestic violence training for all child welfare staff using evidence-based screening and risk assessment tools, the development of a tracking system within the child welfare computer system to monitor domestic violence cases and services, and the placement of contracted domestic violence specialists on-site in child welfare offices to facilitate consultation and collaboration. The funding is intended to support these efforts to enhance the child welfare workforce's capacity to investigate domestic violence and support affected families, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 3000.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1801&year=2026