HI HB2277

Establishes a five-year pilot project within the Department of Human Services to address child welfare challenges in east Hawaii on Hawaii island, covering a geographic area approximately the size of all other Hawaiian islands combined.

Adds four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) child/adult protective services specialists to the east Hawaii child welfare services section to reduce social worker caseloads, which currently range from 40-50 children per worker compared to the recommended maximum of 15.

Appropriates $321,598 from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 to fund the new positions, administrative costs, and training travel expenses.

Requires the Department of Human Services to conduct annual evaluations measuring caseload impacts on family engagement, employee performance, court sanctions, and legal claims related to the child welfare system through 2025.

Requires annual reports to the legislature no later than 20 days before regular sessions in 2019-2025, with data collection continuing for 12 months after the pilot project ends.