HI HB900

Establishes a working group within the judiciary to improve family court processes and legal services for youth in the child welfare system, implementing recommendations from the malama ohana working group established by Act 86, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023.

Working group shall review court process improvements, examine legal service delivery models used in other jurisdictions, and conduct site visits to selected states to identify practices for implementation in Hawaii.

Working group membership includes two district family court judges as co-chairs, a Supreme Court justice or designee, child welfare court judges, representatives from the attorney general's office, Department of Human Services, guardian ad litem, University of Hawaii law school, malama ohana working group members, youth leadership board representatives, at least three youth with lived child welfare system experience, and one parent with lived experience.

Working group shall submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation and plans for a pilot program to test counsel services delivery models for youth in a selected jurisdiction, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 regular session.

Working group shall cease operations on June 30, 2026, with funds appropriated from general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to cover member site visits and report drafting.