HI HB383

Establishes a child welfare services task force within the Department of Human Services to review the child welfare services branch and examine best practices to improve child care safety.

Task force membership includes the director of human services (chair), child welfare services administrator, representatives from child care licensing, attorney general's office, county police departments, and the U.S. Department of Defense Family Advocacy program.

Task force shall solicit recommendations for additional members from current/former foster youth, resource caregivers, biological parents of foster youth, and frontline social workers.

Task force duties include requesting worker input on workplace improvements, seeking additional state and federal funding for training and positions, improving worker recruitment and retention, and evaluating child abuse investigations.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 regular session and shall cease operations on June 30, 2020.