Creating supports for children and their families and incorporating Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health into the existing children’s system of care can create home environments that foster positive mental health outcomes that start from infancy and extend through adulthood.
Why It Matters
Healthy social and emotional development early in life gives children the skills they need to be successful throughout school and into adulthood. Infants and children thrive when they have nurturing relationships with their parents and primary caregivers.
By the Numbers
10-16%
of young children experience mental health conditions. (Zero to Three)
$3.64
for every dollar invested into IECMH programs, $3.64 is returned in prevented treatments later in life (Zero to Three)
35%
NH has a notable population of children under 7, yet just 6.5% of those evaluated at mental health centers fall in this age group, revealing underrepresentation in treatment.
12%
of children in NH under the age of 7 have experienced multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Our Impact
In 2023, New Futures worked with key legislative partners to secure $1,000,000 for a pilot program aimed at improving infant and early childhood mental health, including placing IECMH consultants at childcare centers. This program is a key component to improving outcomes for children in childcare centers and their families.
In 2024, New Futures helped defeat a harmful bill that attempted to ban social-emotional learning (SEL) in public schools. This bill would have prohibited educators from teaching students important life skills like self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills, which are vital for school, work, and life success. It received strong opposition with over 40 teachers, administrators, and parents testififying at a public hearing in opposition to the bill, and 4,290 people providing online testimony submissions to oppose the bill.
Related Resources
