HI SR35

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

Cites multiple foster care abuse cases, including a $585,000 settlement in 2019 and a $750,000 settlement in 2024, as well as a 2025 Civil Beat investigation revealing nearly 60 boys were abused by a single foster parent over two decades.

References a 2024 State Auditor report finding the Child Welfare Services Branch failed to comply with statutory licensing requirements, reducing federal Title IV-E reimbursements.

The proposed Office would conduct site visits, investigate complaints, review internal records, issue annual reports with recommendations, and provide public outreach.

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