Another View New Hampshire supports children and families

The NH legislature's final budget demonstrated significant support for children and families. Although constituencies rarely get all of what is needed, Republicans and Democrats recognized the importance of supporting all children while providing interventions for vulnerable families and children. By increasing access to early childhood education and providing for vulnerable children and youth, families are strengthened and the future vitality of N.H. is enhanced.

Families in need of quality child care will no longer face a waiting list for financial assistance as a result of a $15 million appropriation which leverages additional federal dollars. By providing access to quality child care, children are afforded the opportunity to receive preschool experiences which allow them to successfully enter the public school system ready to learn. The parents of these children can now pursue employment or further education knowing that their children are receiving safe, high quality care. Investing in high-quality early childhood programs is proven to produce economic returns for New Hampshire with $2-4 returned for every $1 invested in high quality preschool programs.

Funding for full-day Kindergarten was among one of the most openly debated issues before the legislature. The funding provided by the legislature will partially meet the needs of communities which elect to have full-day Kindergarten. For communities already funding full day, this will provide property tax relief. For communities which could not afford to start full day, these funds will provide an incentive for implementing a full-day program. As we know from quality preschool experiences, a full day of Kindergarten provides a stronger foundation for later learning. There remains, however, an ongoing controversy regarding dependence on Keno gambling proceeds to fully support full-day Kindergarten.

Wrap around services and funding for in-school services will enhance services for children with mental and behavioral problems. Children with severe behavioral health needs will have wraparound services to prevent hospitalizations, keep children in school, and maintain them at home in their natural environment, saving the state money in the long run. For those children with a variety of behavioral needs, municipalities will have the option of applying for Medicaid funds to provide services in school preventing the escalation of these problems and permitting a better school experience.

The status of the child protection system has been a high profile concern in the legislature. A commission and joint legislative committee proposed several pieces of legislation based upon an independent review of the Division of Children, Youth and Families. The new budget included 20 additional social workers for the division, additional services for opioid affected families and a new Office of Child Advocate. In addition, a new category was created for high-risk families not under court orders, which will permit social workers to monitor them while recommending voluntary services. These provisions help to assure that all children thrive with an opportunity to reach their full potential.

Access to appropriate juvenile justice services has been a difficult problem in N.H. The legislature took a major step to reduce the population at the Sununu Youth Development Center (YDC) by maintaining non-violent youth in their communities. This somewhat controversial move is prompted by the recognition that youth are better served in their communities and the YDC facility has been under-utilized. In so doing, the money saved by a smaller YDC population can be devoted to enhanced services in communities. Some of the vacated space at YDC will be devoted to a much needed youth addiction treatment center.

These gains will insure that the next generation is better prepared to support N.H.'s future. In January the legislature will reconvene to continue this work. Among the many issues the state still needs to address include providing preventative home visiting during early childhood and funding for at risk families to access voluntary services. A system to provide paid family and medical leave will be voted on during the year ahead. Possible changes in the Affordable Health Care Act may make it necessary to insure that our Medicaid expansion program continues to support children and families. Legislation to reduce children's exposure to the toxic effects of lead will also be on the legislature's agenda.

These important initiatives will continue to improve children's lives in N.H. and support the aspirations of all of N.H.'s residents.

-Skip Berrien is a New Hampshire state representative from Exeter representing Rockingham County District 18.