The Department of Human Services (DHS) General Assistance (GA) program has increased monthly benefits for individuals and couples receiving temporary economic assistance. Effective April 1, 2014, single individuals receive $348 per month, an increase of $29. Couples receive $469 per month, an increase of $39. The purpose of the GA program is to ensure that eligible adults receive at least a minimally adequate standard of living.
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There is a $25 registration fee for Summer Fun programs. The fee may be waived for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will mail each recipient family a letter that lists the names of children eligible for the fee waiver. Families must present this letter at the time of registration to receive the $25 waiver.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has no updates regarding the 15 year-old youth who stowed away Sunday in the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines jet. He remains in a local hospital under protective custody of the Hawaii Child Welfare Services. When more information is available for release, the DHS will send out an update.
AGE CORRECTION The 15 year-old youth (age confirmed by the FBI) who stowed away Sunday in the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines jet is resting comfortably at a local hospital. Currently in the custody of the Hawaii Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Services officials continue to work with the appropriate agencies to ensure the youth's safe return to his home in California. When more information is available for release, the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) will send out an update.
A 16-year-old boy who stowed away Sunday in the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines jet that traveled from San Jose, Calif., to Maui has been released to the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Services Branch. Officials have notified the boy's family that he is safe. The Child Welfare Services Branch will enlist the help of all necessary agencies to ensure the child's safe return to his home in California.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) will be accepting applications for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program between March 1 and April 30, 2014. Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. Applications must be received by April 30, 2014 to be considered for the 2014-2015 program year.
“The Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to eliminating all fraud, waste and abuse. The Department appreciates the assistance of the Legislature and the State Auditor’s Office to help identify areas to reduce medical assistance program costs and to improve program integrity,” said DHS Director Patricia McManaman. “The Auditor’s Report, however, relied on outdated information and did not recognize the Department’s substantial progress under the Abercrombie Administration to enhance program integrity and eliminate abuses,” said McManaman.
Three young adults from Hawaii have received a national award that recognizes their outstanding leadership skills. The National FosterClub annually recognizes 100 young people from across the country who demonstrate leadership, personal accomplishment, educational achievement, and service to their peers. FosterClub awardees range in age from 16 -24 and have spent a portion of their childhood in foster care.
HONOLULU – Hawaii ranks best in the nation according to The Commonwealth Fund Scorecard on State Health System Performance for Low-Income Populations, 2013, a national scorecard that analyzed 30 indicators within four dimensions. Hawaii ranks in the top quartile for three of four system dimensions – Access to Affordability, Potentially Avoidable Hospital Use, and Healthy Lives. Hawaii ranks in the second quartile for the fourth indicator, Prevention and Treatment. There are currently 292,000 individuals enrolled in Hawaii Med-QUEST programs, which are administered through the Department of Human Services (DHS).
The State of Hawai’i Department of Human Services (DHS) has been awarded a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Bonus for the most improved Program Access Index for fiscal year FY 2012.