HI SR16

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

Highlights that Hawaii's Healthy Families America program served approximately 2,400 high-risk families annually with a 99% non-abuse rate before being dismantled in 2008 due to budget restrictions.

Notes that the current Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program includes Healthy Families America sites, Parents as Teachers services, and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters services.

Identifies that approximately 10-12% of families (around 1,377 families) had very high-risk assessments in the former statewide program, with unmet needs for intensive services targeting families with multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Requires transmission of certified copies to the Director of Health and Executive Director of the Hawaii Family Support Institute at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.