Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR36

Introduced
3/10/26  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Creating An Office Of The Child Advocate.

Impact

The establishment of an Office of the Child Advocate would significantly impact state laws governing child welfare by providing independent oversight over the delivery of services from state agencies, including the Department of Human Services. This office would be tasked with ensuring accountability and compliance with legal standards, which seeks not only to enhance the protection of children in foster care but also to limit the state’s financial liability through decreased incidences of abuse and associated lawsuits.

Summary

SCR36, a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii, proposes that the Department of Human Services conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the costs and benefits of establishing an Office of the Child Advocate. This initiative arises in response to numerous instances of tragic abuse cases highlighting critical flaws within the state's child welfare system, particularly regarding the foster care sector. The resolution underscores the necessity for enhanced oversight in light of recent lawsuits and findings which indicated severe negligence within the current system.

Contention

Debate regarding SCR36 may focus on the feasibility and potential effectiveness of creating such an office amidst existing bureaucratic structures. Proponents argue that an independent office would bring much-needed transparency and responsiveness to the foster care system, while opponents may raise concerns about the administrative costs, potential overlap with current services, or the effectiveness of additional oversight in a generally underfunded sector. The outcomes of the study will be crucial in determining the future direction of child welfare services in the state.

Companion Bills

HI SR35

Same As Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Creating An Office Of The Child Advocate.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR185

Urging The Legislature To Conduct Mandatory Inquiries Into All Fatalities And Serious Injuries That Occurred To Children Involved In Child Welfare Services.

HI SCR11

Requesting The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Cover Behavioral Health Services For Children In School-based Settings.

HI SR166

Urging The Legislature To Conduct Mandatory Inquiries Into All Fatalities And Serious Injuries That Occurred To Children Involved In Child Welfare Services.

HI HCR82

Urging The Legislature To Conduct Mandatory Inquiries Into All Fatalities And Serious Injuries That Occurred To Children Involved In Child Welfare Services.

HI HR75

Urging The Legislature To Conduct Mandatory Inquiries Into All Fatalities And Serious Injuries That Occurred To Children Involved In Child Welfare Services.

HI SR7

Requesting The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division To Cover Behavioral Health Services For Children In School-based Settings.

HI SCR142

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Athletics Department's Use And Management Of Its Funds.

HI SCR55

Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development To Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Boiler And Elevator Inspection Branch To Increase Personnel Recruitment And Retention.

HI SCR79

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On Whether Teachers And School Personnel Should Be Trained In The Use Of, And Be Equipped With, Pepper Spray.

HI HB312

Relating To The Department Of Human Services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.