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Committee approves 5‑year child‑welfare prevention pilot using peer navigators and evidence‑informed practices
Summary
SB952 SD2, a five‑year pilot to provide prevention services using peer navigators and evidence‑informed supports for families at risk of child‑welfare involvement, passed the committee after the Office of Wellness and Resilience and DHS expressed support.
The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness voted to pass SB952 SD2 on March 11, 2025, a measure establishing a five‑year prevention pilot in collaboration with the Department of Human Services and the Office of Wellness and Resilience to support families at risk of becoming involved with Child Welfare Services.
Tia Hartsock, director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience, testified in strong support and said she would adhere to the recommendations developed by the Malama Ohana working group. Elodine Olivo, child‑welfare branch administrator at DHS, said the department supports the intent of the bill and stood on written testimony.
Judith Clark of Hawaii Youth Services Network, a member of the Hawaii Trauma and Informed Care Task Force, told the committee the proposed pilot “will move Hawaii further toward its goal of becoming a trauma‑informed state” and emphasized use of peer navigators and evidence‑informed practices to reduce child‑welfare caseload pressure by strengthening families and meeting basic survival needs.
A testifier on Zoom raised concerns about administrative oversight and trust in DHS, urging accountability and clear monitoring of the pilot’s implementation; the chair and the Office of Wellness and Resilience said they would work to honor the working‑group recommendations and integrate community voice.
The committee passed SB952 SD2 as recommended.
