The Mālama ‘Ohana Working Group (MOWG), part of Hawaii’s Office of Wellness and Resilience, is dedicated to transforming the state’s child welfare system by actively engaging with the community to implement meaningful changes. They conduct statewide listening sessions to gather input from families, caregivers, and community members, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in their reform efforts. The MOWG organizes monthly meetings, accessible both virtually and in person, to discuss progress and collaborate on initiatives. Additionally, they have established Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs) focusing on specific areas such as children and youth, parents and families, caregivers, community support, system support, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Meeting minutes and recordings are publicly available, reflecting MOWG’s commitment to transparency and community involvement in creating a more effective and compassionate child welfare system.
