HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1475

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to child welfare services.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that foster children and children at risk of abuse or neglect require a comprehensive, protective, and organized child welfare system.  Currently, these children are independently monitored by the department of education, the department of health, the department of human services, the office of youth services, and the family court branch of the judiciary.  The legislature recognizes the importance of presenting each child and family with a structured, supportive, and goal-oriented program to achieve operative stability. 

The legislature further finds that the aforementioned agencies have come together to develop a wraparound services program that allows for interagency communications when related to the provision of child welfare services.  The wraparound services program allows for a more inventive use of resources, an increase in available funds to programs, and the development and implementation of an interagency communications system.  The coordination between the agencies seeks to provide a centralized source of information that enhances child safety, increases government efficiency, and reduces welfare fraud.

     The purpose of this Act is to implement the wraparound services program and to appropriate funds for that purpose.

     SECTION 2.  (a) There is established a wraparound services program.  The program shall be managed by a council of representatives from each of the following agencies:  the department of education, the department of health, the department of human services, the office of youth services, and the family court branch of the judiciary.  The multiagency collaboration shall be henceforth referred to as the "Wrap Coordinating Council".  The program shall provide services to all children enrolled in at least two of the partner agencies represented in the Wrap Coordinating Council.

(b) A representative from each agency shall serve on the board of directors for the wraparound services program.  The Wrap Coordinating Council shall also appoint a chief executive officer within fifteen days of receiving the funds requested for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.

     (c) The wraparound services program shall achieve the core principles and best practice standards set forth in its mission statement.  The wraparound services program model shall focus on: 

     (1) Culturally competent and individualized program planning;

     (2) Collaboration with peers and certain community members to engage in team based goals and efforts;

     (3) Inspiring persistence and self-confidence; and

     (4) Fostering an appreciation for familial dynamics and motivating participation in activities through which the child's personal strengths have been proven to exceed the norm.

     SECTION 3.  Beginning no later than January 1, 2014, a representative of the Wrap Coordinating Council shall present to the legislature an update of the progress made toward implementing the wraparound services program.  The presentation shall also provide copies of the plan used to develop the integrated system of care that addresses:

     (1)  Inadequate access to mental health care;

     (2)  Lack of social and supportive services;

     (3)  Abuse and neglect in the foster care system;

     (3)  Juvenile crime and recidivism;

     (4)  Deficits in educational achievement; and

     (5)  Child welfare policy reform.

     SECTION 4.  The Wrap Coordinating Council, or its designated representative, shall report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2014 regular session on the implementation status of the wraparound services program, and provide recommendations, including any recommendations for legislation and funds necessary to advance the wraparound services program.

     SECTION 5.  For the purposes of this Act, the Wrap Coordinating Council may solicit and accept grants and donations from public and private sources, including maximizing the use of federal grants and matching funds.

     SECTION 6.  The Wrap Coordinating Council shall establish and administer a separate trust fund for the purpose of receiving federal grants or matching funds, private grants or donations, and any other public or private funding source.  The trust fund shall meet the requirements of the wraparound services program.  All funds deposited into the trust fund shall be irrevocable; all assets of the trust fund shall be dedicated exclusively to the implementation of the wraparound services program; and all assets of the trust fund shall not be subject to appropriation for any other purpose.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ 300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 to establish and administer the wraparound services program established in this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be distributed by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Child Welfare Services; Wraparound Services Program; Appropriation

 

Description:

Implements the wraparound services program and appropriates funds for that purpose.

 

 

 

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