Strengthening Children and Families in Hawaii

Assistant Secretary for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., met with Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle in Honolulu Jan. 17 to discuss several areas of collaboration between the state of Hawaii and HHS such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), foster care and initiatives for positive youth development.

Gov. Lingle has presented amended language in her state supplemental budget this year to strengthen TANF programs for youth and families. The amendment, introduced by Hawaii’s Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. at a news conference on Jan. 17, would remove a restriction on $35 million in federal block grant funds available to Hawaii’s Department of Human Services for assistance to needy families and children.

Hawaii ’s director Department of Human Services, Lillian Koller, also announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the Commission of Fatherhood, which has been established to administer and coordinate programs that promote responsible fatherhood.

 

 

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