S.R. No. 143 Summary

• Requests the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive program audit of Hawaii's child protective services system, including the roles of the Department of Human Services, Department of the Attorney General, family courts, and county police departments.

• Directs the Auditor to consult with national child welfare expertise organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures Child Protection Reform Project and the National Resource Center of Child Maltreatment, as well as stakeholders including parents, foster parents, healthcare providers, and educators.

• Requires the audit to evaluate effective communication among agencies, staff training adequacy, caseload management, resource sufficiency, and the effectiveness and efficiency of decision-making processes related to screening, case selection, child safety, reunification, and termination of services.

• Mandates the audit include a review of recent cases involving recurring child abuse and neglect, with specific recommendations for system reforms.

• Requires the Auditor to submit all findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.