What's Being Discussed

The Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council (JJSAC) Policy Sub-Committee is meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The main focus is reviewing and discussing seven draft state House Bills related to youth justice and services:

• HB 0102: Would require the Department of Education to provide online classes and credit transfers for youth at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility, and require trauma-informed care training for Department of Health staff.
• HB 0103: Would give the Office of Youth Services (OYS) oversight of all state contracts with community-based youth residential programs.
• HB 0104: Would require OYS to create a grant program for organizations wanting to operate small residential facilities for court-involved youth.
• HB 0105: Would establish and fund a Youth Residential Care Oversight Board.
• HB 0106: Would create a scholarship and loan forgiveness program through the University of Hawaii for workers in youth residential services.
• HB 0107: Would establish a Close to Home Hawaii Pilot Program within OYS, keeping youth closer to their families and communities.
• HB 0108: Would create a Youth Justice Transition Special Fund within OYS.

The committee will also approve minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting and hear public testimony.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Discussion and potential recommendations on the seven draft House Bills

Who Should Pay Attention

• Families and youth involved in the juvenile justice system
• Youth service providers and residential program operators
• Educators and healthcare workers serving court-involved youth
• Community members interested in youth justice reform in Hawaii