HONOLULU – The Mālama ‘Ohana Working Group, established under Act 86 in June 2023, has submitted its comprehensive findings and recommendations to the Hawai‘i State Legislature, revealing significant challenges within the state’s child welfare system. The report, based on extensive statewide listening sessions, paints a concerning picture of a system struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
System Assessment: Key Findings
The report highlights both strengths and critical weaknesses within the child welfare system (CWS). While individual efforts from dedicated workers, community-based organizations, churches, schools, and families provide pockets of support and hope, the overarching system is described as fragmented, resource-starved, and often counterproductive.
Strengths Identified:
- Dedicated individuals and community organizations providing crucial support.
Challenges Highlighted:
- Widespread disorganization and lack of coordination across CWS.
- Insufficient resources, inadequate training, and a lack of accountability.
- Deep mistrust among families and community partners toward the system.
Voices from the Community
The listening sessions brought forward personal accounts from those directly impacted by CWS, including families, children, and social workers. Common themes included:
- The need for trauma-responsive and specialized supports.
- A desire for a respectful, transparent, and efficient system.
- Concerns over inadequate caseworker training, particularly in understanding complex family dynamics involving domestic violence and child neglect.
- The profound impact of poverty on families and the necessity for preventative measures.
Workforce Struggles and Systemic Issues
The report underscores the struggles faced by the CWS workforce, including high turnover, chronic vacancies, and insufficient training and tools. Despite some positive changes, such as reduced child removals in 2023–24, the group found no substantial evidence of effective services being provided to families diverted from CWS involvement.
Call for Systemic Reform
The Mālama ‘Ohana Working Group’s report calls for a fundamental overhaul of the child welfare system. Recommendations include:
- Increased funding and staffing.
- Implementation of high operational standards.
- Enhanced training and support for CWS workers.
- Systemic changes to improve efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
Next Steps
The findings of the Mālama ‘Ohana Working Group will now be considered by the Hawai‘i State Legislature as they look to address these systemic issues. The report serves as a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive reform to better protect and support Hawai‘i’s children and families.
read … Full Report