HI HR138

Request that Hawaii State Judiciary and Department of Human Services not use a parent's blindness as a basis for denying or restricting visitation or custody in family or dependency law cases when visitation or custody is in the child's best interest.

Request that blindness not be used as a basis for denying prospective parents from participation in public or private adoption or for denying individuals foster care or guardianship appointments when determined to be in the child's best interest.

Require that if a parent or prospective parent's blindness is alleged to have detrimental impact on a child, the burden of proof be placed on the party making the allegation to provide evidence that the behaviors endanger or will likely endanger the child's health, safety, or welfare.

Request that blind parents or prospective parents be given the opportunity to demonstrate how supportive parenting services can address concerns raised about their blindness.

Direct transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the Chief Justice, Administrative Director of the Courts, and Director of Human Services.