HI HB640

Requires the Office of the Ombudsman to publish an annual report on its website detailing the number, nature, and disposition of complaints received regarding the Child Welfare Services Branch of the Department of Human Services

Mandates the Child Welfare Services Branch to notify birth families, children in foster care, and resource caregivers that they may file complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman when a case is first established

Requires additional notification about the ombudsman complaint option whenever an oral or written complaint is made to Child Welfare Services Branch employees

Implements recommendations from the Malama Ohana Working Group (established by Act 86, Session Laws 2023), which developed proposals for transforming Hawaii's child welfare system over 15 months with input from community members

Effective date of July 1, 3000 (placeholder date indicating bill requires further amendment before implementation)