New Hampshire Children's Trust, Inc.

Together with You,

Building Safe, Stable and Nurturing

Families and Communities

 for both Our Present and Our Future

 

Statewide Rally for New Hampshire:

New Hampshire CAN do better!

 

What: Rally to restore the budget

When: Thursday, March 31, 12:00-1:00

Where: in front of the State House

Why: Some of the people the hardest hit are the most vulnerable: the disabled, the mentally ill, the homeless, children and families...

 

For More Information Contact:   

 

Keryn Bernard-Kriegl, NH Children's Trust, Executive Director

(603) 224-1279

 

Becky Berk, NH Children's Trust, QITAS Project Director (603) 224-1279

 

Join the Children's Trust Facebook Group: April 2011 Strengthening Families and Communities Campaign:

 

Find us on Facebook 

 

Statewide release
by: Keryn Bernard-Kriegl, Executive Director
NH Children's Trust / Prevent Child Abuse NH 
  

We find it curious that the common perception of "child protection" is simply shielding abused and neglected children from further harm.  Are we comfortable, as a state, to wait until after abuse and neglect have occurred to "protect" children? 

We know that building the strengths, competence and confidence of parents is a key ingredient in providing children with happy homes.  We know that addressing the basic needs of parents and families will reduce the stress that can boil over into child abuse.  We know that building social connections and understanding of child development can increase parent empathy and patience with challenging children.   We know these things protect children.

So why are we, as a state, proposing to dismantle and defund the network of family resource centers and family support programs in our communities statewide that provide exactly these protections?  Prevention IS protection - more cost-effective and far more productive to our society.   

Consider this partial list of proposed reductions and ask yourself whether you are really prepared to let children and families flounder.

Eliminated:  Child abuse prevention and juvenile diversion funding

Eliminated:  DCYF voluntary prevention funds

Eliminated:  Core funding for family resource centers

Eliminated:  Children in Need of Services (CHINS)

Eliminated:  Subsidies for families who adopt high needs children

Eliminated:  Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) for unemployed parents

Eliminated:  Treatment and prevention for alcohol addiction

50% Reduction:  Children's mental health services

46% Reduction:  Family support services

24 % Reduction:  Child Health Services

22% Reduction:  Child care scholarships for working low-income parents

Waitlist reinstated:  Developmental disabilities supports for families

3,540 adults dropped:  Mental Health for adults (including parents) with a serious mental disability   

 

We can and must do better for our children.  It takes all of us to strengthen families, build community and keep children safe.  That includes you and me, organizations, schools, businesses and the state funded public safety net. 

 

Everyday we do our part, by caring for our children, helping our neighbors, volunteering through our churches and clubs, donating food, clothing and money to help those in need, and being engaged citizens.  Our children need us to stand up for them.  Please join the NH Children's Trust and many other individuals and groups at a the Rally for NH on March 31, 2011 at 12:00 - in front of the State House.  One of our prevention partners, Good Beginnings of Sullivan County, has chartered a bus and is bringing parents, volunteers, staff and concerned community members to the rally.  We invite you to do the same.

 

 

We ALL Play a Part in Strengthening Families and Communities


  We ALL play a part
  

 

 

New Hampshire Children's Trust, Inc.

Vision

Every New Hampshire child will thrive in safe, stable and nurturing families and communities. 

Mission

To prevent child abuse and neglect in New Hampshire.

 

 PCA NH logo 

Pinwheel logo 

 

 

 

 

 

The New Hampshire Children's Trust is the New Hampshire chapter of

Prevent Child Abuse America.

 

To find out more about our programs and partners, go to our website.