April 9, 2019

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD—Today the House Children and Family Law committee held a hearing on SB 14-FN, to establish a statewide children’s mobile crisis response in alignment with the DCYF Adequacy and Enhancement Assessment, the federal The Family First Prevention Services Act, and the 10 Year Mental Health Plan. SB 14 passed the Senate unanimously in March.

Prime sponsor Senator Dan Feltes (D-Concord) released the following statement after the hearing:

“It is time to finally implement a comprehensive children’s system of care to prevent the mistreatment of children and advance children’s mental health. Senate Bill 14 is a cost-effective proposal that will address the critical needs of our children in a timely manner, thereby reducing significant health, special education, and child protection costs down the road; I’m proud to introduce it to the House today.”

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Background:

• The DCYF Adequacy and Enhancement Assessment was released on July 9, 2018.

• SB 14-FN makes improvements to the System of Care created under RSA 135-F.

• The Family First Prevention Services Act – an overview from NCSL.

• New Hampshire’s 10-Year Mental Health Plan can be viewed here.