Hawaii’s child-welfare system must do more to support families suffering from domestic violence.

According to a report by the University of Hawaii and the Department of the Attorney General, “domestic violence figures prominently among social issues in Hawaii,” and approximately 44,000 local households are impacted each year.

However, current Department of Human Services data report less than 10 percent of cases entering the system are caused by domestic violence, and family court only allows 12 months for families to rehabilitate or lose their children.

Domestic violence victims are a protected class of citizens under the law, yet who is protecting their rights?

Does the state even know how many children currently in foster care are affected by domestic violence? No, it does not.

It’s time for an audit on all current child welfare cases to identify victims and to see how the state is helping to protect and reunify these children and their families.

Shana Logan

Hilo

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