Granite State youth are facing a mental health crisis. In recent years, New Hampshire has introduced a framework to support behavioral health in schools, but the state has failed to secure permanent funding for the program. In order to address the mental health crisis, dedicated funding for the Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavioral Health (MTSS-B) is critical.
Why It Matters
The Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavioral Health (MTSS-B) is an evidenced-based prevention framework to support behavioral health and wellness in schools. The MTSS-B framework prioritizes collaboration between schools, families, and community mental health agencies to coordinate mental health interventions that improve outcomes for all students.
By the Numbers
2X
Students with severe emotional needs have double the dropout rate of peers (MTSS-B 2022 Report). The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition provides essential tools for addressing this.
70-80%
In NH, children under 7 make up a larger share of the population, but only 6.5% receive mental health evaluations, indicating 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 $900,000 in the budget to be used for MTSS-B administration across the state. These funds will only partially replace the federal grants that had previously supported the program, so further state investment is necessary to continue to implement MTSS-B across the state.
New Futures continued to stand up for MTSS-B during the 2026 Legislative Session. House Bill 1754 would have removed the statewide commitment to this evidence-based approach, leaving schools and students without critical mental health supports. However, this bill was defeated in the House.
Also during the 2026 Session, New Futures opposed Senate Bill 34 and House Bill 1640, which would have made it harder for schools to bill Medicaid and thus could have led to a reduction in
key funding for care that students are entitled to receive. Luckily, both bills were defeated.
