HI SCR15

Urges the Department of Health to continue expanding and improving its home visiting program, including reinstatement of evidence-based home visiting services for families at highest risk for child abuse and neglect.

Highlights the Hawaii Healthy Start program pioneered in 1985 that achieved a 99% non-abuse rate among served families but was dismantled in 2008 due to budget restrictions, leaving only Hilo and Waiʻanae sites operating.

Notes that the current Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (established 2018) serves families with low income, child welfare history, substance abuse, and developmental delays, but does not use Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment tools.

States that 10-12% of families (approximately 1,377 families) had very high-risk assessments scoring 40+ on parent surveys, correlating with families experiencing four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) requiring specialized intensive services.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Director of Health and Executive Director of the Hawaii Family Support Institute at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.