Three legislative committees today will jointly examine budget cuts to the state's Healthy Start program.

The hearing will be at the State Capitol at 11 a.m.

Healthy Start aims to reduce child abuse and neglect through comprehensive home visitation, screening and counseling.

The House Committee on Human Services and the Senate committees on human services and health will focus on cuts that have shrunk the program from 13 sites statewide to one site in O'ahu and one on the Big Island.

Advocates say the reductions make compliance with federal mandates under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act even more difficult.

They contend the cuts could endanger the state's future dealings with the federal Office of Special Education Programs.