HI HB1565

Establishes a working group within the Judiciary to improve family court processes and access to legal representation for youth in Hawaii's child welfare system.

Working group will review recommendations from the Malama Ohana Working Group (created by Act 86, 2023) related to court processes and counsel for youth.

Members will examine practices in other states and conduct at least one site visit to identify implementable practices, with a focus on different forms of legal services for foster youth.

Working group includes family court judges, a Supreme Court justice designee, representatives from the Attorney General's office, Department of Human Services, UH law school, and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system.

Requires a report to the legislature by 20 days before the 2028 session, including plans for a pilot program to test counsel services for youth; appropriates unspecified general funds for operations, site visits, and compensation for members with lived experience.