HI HCR82

Urges the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness to conduct mandatory inquiries into all fatalities and serious injuries of children involved in Child Welfare Services.

Requires comprehensive reviews of systemic failures, resource allocation, departmental accountability, and identification of preventative measures based on four main causes: communication failures, worker inexperience, failure to follow procedures, and inadequate resources.

Documents 19 child fatalities or serious injuries since 1997 with over $10 million paid in lawsuits, including cases where Department of Human Services failed to act on warnings or prevent reunifications despite red flags.

Commits the Legislature to enacting laws ensuring transparency and accountability similar to other states like Colorado, California, and Florida that publish detailed information about child welfare cases.

Requires certified copies be transmitted to the Director of Human Services, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and relevant committee chairs.