HI HB2037

Appropriates $216,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2014-2015 to continue funding Project Kealahou within the Department of Health's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division.

Project Kealahou is a federally funded program providing gender-responsive, trauma-informed, community-based services to adolescent females ages 11-21 who have experienced significant trauma.

Federal funding for the program phases out by October 2014, necessitating state funding to maintain and potentially expand services currently offered in limited areas of Oahu to other islands.

Services emphasize culturally and linguistically competent, family-driven, youth-guided, and evidence-based care as cost-effective alternatives to out-of-home placements.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.