Department of Human Services

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Read More Preschool Open Doors Application Period Begins Sept. 19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 16, 2016 Additional Open Application Period Begins September 19 for Preschool Open Doors Program Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program between Monday, September 19 and Monday, October 31, 2016.  Applications received during this period will be considered ...
Read More Preschool Open Doors Application Period Begins Sept. 19

HONOLULU – Attorney General Doug Chin and Human Services Director Rachael Wong announced today the resolution of multiple class action lawsuits regarding state foster care payments… Read More…

More Inspiring Stories from the Summer Youth Employment Program In June 2016, more than 200 youth with disabilities began internships with state and county government entities. Students participated in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a partnership with the Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Department of Labor and Industrial ...
Read More Making Their Marks

One family’s journey to reunification with government and private partners The Child Welfare Services Branch came together with the Hawai‘i State Judiciary, community organizations, and others to celebrate National Reunification Month on June 23 at Hale Pono‘i in Kapolei. The event recognizes families and the organizations and entities that support them in their journey to ...
Read More Reunification Is a Team Effort

Summer Youth Employment Program transforms students and government alike Most of us can remember our first summer jobs. It’s a rite of passage for many teenagers in high school and college. This summer, 223 youths with disabilities experienced this exciting rite in State of Hawai‘i and county internships. On July 8, Governor David Ige, Department ...
Read More Summer Shining Stars

During the 2016 legislative session, Department of Human Services (DHS) advocated alongside the community for two bills that expand the opportunities for young people in foster care and who have aged out to discover who they are through education and experiences, supported by people who care for them. On June 29, Governor David Ige signed ...
Read More Gov. Ige Supports Foster Youth and Resource Caregivers with Bill Signing

On June 15, 2016, the Adult Protective & Community Services Branch East Hawaiʻi section staff came together with members of the Hawaiʻi County Prosecutor’s Office and Police Department to pass out purple ribbons and display purple banners at the Hawaiʻi County’s Aging & Disability Resource Center in Hilo. The gathering honored “World Elder Abuse Awareness ...
Read More County and State Governments Come Together for Kupuna

The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Oʻahu held a recognition luncheon titled “Heroes of Hope” on April 22, 2016, to honor several community and public agencies for their “unwavering commitment and compassion to meet the needs of hundreds of children who have been physically and sexually abused in our community” at the O‘ahu ...
Read More DHS Programs Among Heroes of Hope

By this time every year, the buzz at the Capitol has finally started to settle. Full halls of pacing feet, quiet discussions on wooden benches, and the tones signaling transitions from one hearing to another have subsided. Department of Human Services (DHS) team members spent innumerable hours in the Capitol over the 4 months of ...
Read More DHS 2016 Legislative Roundup: Perpetual Motion

On Friday, May 27, Governor David Ige and Lieutenant Gov. Shan Tsutsui declared June 2015 as Fatherhood Month. Gov. Ige joined Fatherhood Commissioners and other community members in acknowledging the important role fathers play in their children’s lives. Both Gov. Ige and Chet Adessa of the Fatherhood Commission called on their own experiences as fathers ...
Read More June is Fatherhood Month