Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 938, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to protect the best interests of children who are involved in the Child Protective Services system. In particular, this measure:

A member of the House of Representatives and a concerned individual testified in support of this measure.

Your Committee finds that the child protective system can be difficult for families to cope with due to its complexity. By having a family member appointed to the Review Panel to represent the child and the family interests, it will be easier for them to know what is happening in the Review Panel proceedings and why decisions were made regarding the placement of the child. By appointing an individual to represent the family's interests in the Review Panel, not only will the family have their concerns be heard in the proceedings, but they will have a representative who will be able to report to the child's family of what transpired in the proceedings. The family representative will be directly involved in influencing what decisions will be made for the child's best interest.

In addition, decisions made by the Review Panel that are initiated by a family member on the panel will be made available to the court in any subsequent child protective services proceedings. Most importantly, the family member would be an advocate for the child's interest and also bridge the gap in establishing good communication between all parties involved.

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 H.B. No. 938, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.