The state's human services director says they've changed their strategy over the years. They are using a new approach to investigate reports of child abuse, and are better at helping at risk families, and assessing the safety of homes.

"That has been the key to being successful at both reducing the number of children in foster care and increasing the safety of kids who aren't in foster care," said Director Lillian Koller.

DHS director Lilian Koller said Hawaii also has one of the lowest child re-abuse rates in the country.

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