Appropriates $632,214 in FY 2001-2002 and $516,992 in FY 2002-2003 for 13 positions to staff adult protective services in department of human services.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that adult protective services in the department of human services, is charged with investigating and curbing the financial exploitation of dependent adults. A dramatic increase is expected in the number of dependent adults for which adult protective services will be responsible in the coming years because of our growing elder population.

At present, the department of human services has insufficient resources to meet its statutory obligation with respect to incidents of financial exploitation against dependent adults. In order for adult protective services to properly carry out its function as the front line defense against financial exploitation, its staff must be increased. This staffing increase will allow for more caseworkers who can carry out the department's statutory obligation to investigate, prevent further exploitation, and protect the remaining assets of dependent adults.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the department of human services to hire thirteen additional staff in adult protective services of the department of human services.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $632,214, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, and the sum of $516,992 for fiscal year 2002-2003, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, to add additional staff in adult protective services in the department of human services for the department to meet its statutory obligation to investigate and curb financial exploitation of dependent adults as follows:

I. New Oahu unit

(1) One supervisor;

(2) Three social worker IV;

(3) One auditor IV;

(4) One secretary; and

(5) One social services assistant;

II. Oahu intake unit:

(1) One social worker III; and

(2) One secretary;

and

III. Neighbor island units:

(1) One social worker IV for East Hawaii;

(2) One social worker IV for West Hawaii;

(3) One social worker IV for Maui; and

(4) One social worker IV for Kauai.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.