Report Title:
Child abuse and neglect investigations; follow up visits
Description:
Establishes a pilot project allowing the Department to conduct well-child follow-up visits for children who have been reported but not confirmed as abused or neglected.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
3134 |
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TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO well child follow-up visits.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to establish a "well child" follow-up visit project as a pilot project to determine if providing a face-to-face visit with the child and family within a year after a case has been investigated and closed because the allegation of abuse or neglect was not confirmed, will decrease the possibility of additional reports of substantial abuse or neglect involving the same child and family.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established a "well child" follow-up visit project within the department of human services as a pilot project to provide for a "well child" visit with families who have been reported to and investigated by child welfare services, but who have not been confirmed for child abuse or neglect, pursuant to section 587-21, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the child, subject to the appropriation of general funds for the project.
(b) The "well child" follow-up project may include, but need not be limited to, conducting a "well child" follow-up visit for each child in cases where physical or sexual abuse or neglect has been alleged and investigated but not confirmed after completion of the investigation.
(c) The "well child" visit may be conducted no earlier than six months, but within one year, after the completion of the investigation.
(d) The department of human services or its designated contractor shall provide "well child" follow-up visits, subject to the appropriation of general funds for this project. The department may contract with an appropriate entity to provide these services.
SECTION 3. The department shall submit a report on the status of the project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2010 regular session.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009, for the "well child" follow-up visit pilot project.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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BY REQUEST |