Report Title:

Child Protective Review Panel

 

Description:

Expands the membership of the child protective review panel to include two community members who are active in the systemic reform of the child protection system. Clarifies the definition of "serious abuse" to include cases of missing children.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2153

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to child protection.

 

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

SECTION 1. Section 587-88, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) The department shall establish a child protective review panel to review each case of serious abuse. Based upon its review, the panel shall submit a report of findings and recommendations to the director. The department shall appoint members of the child protective review panel who may include, but not be limited to:

(1) Any physician treating the child for abuse;

(2) Any child protective services worker assigned to the case and the worker's supervisor;

(3) The guardian ad litem for the child, appointed under section 587-34, if applicable;

(4) The members of the child's multidisciplinary team or child protective services consultant; [and]

(5) Other child protective services workers and supervisors[.];

(6) Two members of the community active in systemic reform of the child protective system."

SECTION 2. Section 587-88, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

"(e) As used in this section, "serious abuse" means reabuse, hospitalization, or death arising from an abuse. If a child who has been subjected to prior abuse is missing, then it shall be presumed that child has suffered serious abuse."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________