Summary of Federal Formula Grant Award

The Judiciary Courts of the State of Hawaii, First Circuit Division (Family Court First Circuit) received a $348,234 formula grant from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families under the State Court Improvement Program (CFDA 93.586) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This award supports the court's initiatives to assess and improve the quality and effectiveness of court processes related to child welfare, family preservation, and adoption proceedings. The funding enables the First Circuit Family Court to identify and address barriers to timely and effective decision-making in child welfare cases while enhancing judicial practices and legal representation.

The grant supports the court's ongoing efforts to conduct assessments of its child welfare system operations, implement court process improvements, and strengthen judicial capacity in matters affecting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. As a recurring formula grant recipient under SCIP since 2022, the Family Court First Circuit leverages this funding to support judicial training, court improvement initiatives, and related administrative functions within Hawaii's judicial system. The award demonstrates the court's sustained engagement with federal grant programs that advance child welfare outcomes through improved court operations and judicial effectiveness.