Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2933 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to comply with recommendations of the federal Child and Family Services Review of Hawaii's child welfare system.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services. The Judiciary submitted comments.

Your Committee finds that the federal Child and Family Services Review of Hawaii's child welfare system recommends the use of culturally sensitive, family strengthening diversion and other supportive services to improve the safety and well-being of children and families. The amendments in this measure are necessary to comply with the federal recommendations. This measure clarifies that care giving of children outside of the family home by relatives and friends and other diversion and supportive services are available in lieu of taking custody of their children. This will ensure that the child will not be taken out of custody unnecessarily and preserve the relationships that are important to the child's well-being.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2933 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.