HI SCR102

Requests Hawaii State Judiciary and Department of Human Services not use a parent's blindness as 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.

Requests these agencies not use a prospective parent's blindness as basis for denying participation in public or private adoption when adoption is determined to be in the child's best interest.

Requests agencies not use an individual's blindness as basis for denying foster care or guardianship appointments when appointment is in the child's best interest.

Requires clear and convincing evidence of endangerment to health, safety, or welfare before blindness can be considered detrimental, with burden of proof on the party making the allegation.

Requires agencies to provide blind parents or prospective parents opportunity to demonstrate how supportive parenting services can address raised concerns.