In Episode 3 of Community in Conversation, Executive Director Billi-Jo Pike sits down with Kukunaokalā Yoshimoto, Executive Director of Blueprint for Change, in recognition of Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month.

This conversation explores the critical shift from intervention to prevention and what it truly takes to keep Hawaiʻi’s keiki safe.

Kukuna shares the history behind Hawaiʻi’s child welfare reform and the creation of the Neighborhood Place model, a community-driven, culturally grounded approach designed to support families before crisis occurs. Rooted in aloha and shaped by the unique needs of each community, this model has helped transform how support is delivered across the state.

Drawing from his personal journey into social work, Kukuna reflects on the power of early intervention, the importance of meeting families where they are, and why prevention, though often less visible, is one of the most impactful investments we can make.

Together, they also unpack common misconceptions about child welfare, including the belief that it’s only about removing children from homes, and emphasize a deeper truth: child abuse and neglect is a societal issue that requires collective responsibility.

This episode highlights:

• How early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life
• The impact of community-based, culturally responsive care
• Barriers families face in accessing support and how innovation like mobile resource centers is helping bridge the gap
• The ongoing need for equity, especially for Native Hawaiian families
• Why sustainable investment in prevention is essential for long-term change

Most importantly, this conversation is a call to action. Each of us has a role to play, whether it’s learning the signs, reaching out to support a family, or advocating for stronger prevention systems.

Because when we show up for one another, we create safer, stronger communities for all.