Bill > SB2678

This bill establishes a working group within the judiciary, a branch of government responsible for court systems, to improve how family court handles cases involving children in the child welfare system, which is a system designed to protect children from abuse and neglect. This working group will build upon the recommendations of a previous group called the "malama ohana working group" and will examine how other states provide legal services to children in foster care, potentially including site visits to learn from their practices. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that youth in the child welfare system have access to good legal representation and are included in decision-making processes about their own cases, as some youth have reported feeling unheard and unsafe. The working group will be composed of judges, legal professionals, representatives from relevant government departments, individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system (both youth and parents), and legal scholars, and it is tasked with submitting a report with recommendations, including plans for a pilot program, by early 2028, after which the group will dissolve. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the working group's activities, including site visits and compensating members with lived experience.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2678&year=2026