HI HCR130

Office of Wellness and Resilience is requested to establish the Malama Ohana working group to identify and recommend transformative changes to Hawaii's child welfare system.

Working group membership includes nine designated positions: co-chairs from EPIC Ohana and Hale Kipa, Director of Human Services, two Child Welfare Services Branch staff, Director of Office of Wellness and Resilience, Trauma-Informed Care Task Force Chairperson, and CEOs from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, and Liliuokalani Trust.

Working group is requested to invite four additional participant categories: two former foster youth, two birth parents involved with child welfare, two licensed resource caregivers, and two kinship resource caregivers.

Working group shall conduct informational meetings, develop recommendations to improve child and family protection and well-being, identify training and best practices, and explore Native Hawaiian and other cultural practices that build community wellness and resilience.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session convenes; members shall serve without compensation.