Report Title:

Child Abuse or Neglect; Well Child Follow-up Visit Pilot Project

 

Description:

Establishes a Well Child Follow-up Visit Pilot Project allowing the Department of Human Services to conduct visits to families with children who have been reported but not confirmed as abused or neglected.  (HB3134 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

3134

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 pilot project within the department of human services 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.

     (b)  The well child follow-up visit pilot project may include 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 follow-up 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.  The department may contract with an appropriate entity to provide these services.

     (e)  The pilot project shall cease to exist on June 30, 2009.  The department of human services shall submit a report on the findings and recommendations of the project to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2010 regular session.

     SECTION 3.  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 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.