HB819

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	819
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO CAREGIVING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The number of grandparents raising grandchildren is growing rapidly, both statewide and nationwide. According to the United States Census Bureau, between 1990 and 2000, there was an over thirty per cent increase in the number of children under age eighteen living in grandparent-headed households in Hawaii. Of the 14,029 grandparents in Hawaii who report that they are responsible for their resident grandchildren, over one-fifth also report that the children's parents are not present in the household.

The rapid increase in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren is attributed to both demographic trends and social issues. Grandparents today have an increased life expectancy and relative good health compared to previous generations. As a result, they are better able to assume the responsibilities of custodial caregiving. Broad social issues such as, divorce, substance abuse, incarceration, mental illness, and abuse or neglect of the grandchildren are amongst the reasons that grandparents take the role of primary caregivers from their children.

Custodial grandparenting has emotional, physical, and financial costs. Grandparents often report feeling guilt or shame resulting from the situations that lead to them acquiring custody of their grandchildren. They report more anxiety, depression, and physical health problems than their non-caregiving peers. Many of these grandparents are single, female, and living in poverty. Their problems are often exacerbated if they do not have legal custody of their grandchildren, as they may not receive financial or educational support or health care for their grandchildren.

Custodial grandparents need accurate and accessible information on a myriad of issues, including legal aid for custody or guardianship, financial assistance, counseling, respite care, housing, health care, and education regarding parenting for the second time.

It is important to have a clear understanding of the issues facing and the needs of grandparents raising grandchildren in Hawaii in order to formulate policies and programs to better assist this population.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $24,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008, for the executive office on aging to conduct an assessment of the issues facing, and the needs of, grandparents raising grandchildren in Hawaii.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. The department of health shall report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2008 regular session on the actions taken pursuant to their Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________