HI SCR102

Requests the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Child Welfare Services Branch of the Department of Human Services.

Audit must evaluate policies, procedures, and processes for protecting child safety and well-being in home and out-of-home placements including foster care, guardianship, and adoption.

Audit must examine recruitment and retention of social workers and other staff at the Child Welfare Services Branch.

Audit report including findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation must be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2023.

Prompted by the Branch's failure to pass three federal Child and Family Services Reviews (2003, 2009, 2017) and staffing challenges, including 87 vacant positions (22% vacancy rate) at the start of 2022.