HI SB499

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to support the Hawaii zero to three court, which serves maltreated infants and toddlers in the child welfare system.

Funds are allocated for a program manager position, case manager position, transportation for parents to visit children, emergency housing assistance, parent incentive programs, program evaluation, training and professional development, and visitation and parent coaching services.

Establishes that the zero to three court uses specialized judicial processes including monthly case conferences and hearings with a team composed of a judge, guardian ad litem, parents' counsel, deputy attorneys general, and social workers to improve outcomes for infants and toddlers under age three.

References an evaluation by University of Hawaii's Center on Disabilities (August 2013-July 2016) that found the program successful in reducing parental substance use, improving reunification outcomes, decreasing foster care length of stay and placement changes, and increasing visitation frequency.

Takes effect on February 28, 2050; does not intend to supplant existing judiciary funding or budget requests.