HI SCR36

Requests the Department of Human Services to study the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the Child Advocate to provide impartial oversight of child welfare services in Hawaii.

Cites multiple child welfare system failures, including a $585,000 lawsuit settlement in 2019 and a $750,000 settlement in 2024 for a child who died in foster care, plus a 2025 Civil Beat investigation revealing abuse of nearly 60 boys by a single foster parent.

References a 2024 State Auditor report finding the Child Welfare Services Branch failed to comply with statutory licensing requirements, placing children at risk and reducing federal funding.

The proposed Office of the Child Advocate would conduct site visits, investigate complaints, review records for compliance, issue annual reports with recommendations, and provide public education.

Department of Human Services must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session.