Children's System of Care

Background

New Hampshire has made continued and meaningful investments into New Hampshire’s Children's System of Care since its establishment in 2016. The System of Care provides a comprehensive spectrum of services to Granite State children and families to give children the best chance of success as they grow into the future of our state. Especially at a time when New Hampshire’s children are experiencing a mental health crisis and data shows increased rates of suicidal ideation and attempts, having access to these critical resources is pivotal to preserve the health and wellness of our state.

Specifically, the System of Care is made of programs designed to be youth and family-driven, community-based, culturally and linguistically competent, and trauma-informed.  The System of Care includes programs critical to families, such as FAST Forward or Wraparound, in-school supports, and mobile crisis teams that help stabilize children wherever they are in the community.

Current Status

The House Finance Division III voted to restore only 60% of the funding requested by the Department of Health and Human Services for New Hampshire's Children's System of Care. However, thanks to your advocacy efforts, nearly all of the funding for the Children's System of Care was restored in final version of the House budget, which passed on April 6. The budget (HB 1 and HB 2) will now cross over to the Senate for consideration.