The NH Children's Trust, the state's child abuse and neglect prevention agency announces its strategic priorities for 2012-2016.  Following a year-long discovery, analysis and planning process the board of directors and staff decided to focus their resources on eliminating child abuse and neglect among NH's youngest and most vulnerable population- children under age three.  By investing in evidence-based strategies, improving systems and policies, and engaging the public in prevention efforts, the Children's Trust hopes to realize their goal.  "Every NH child deserves to be cared for, nurtured and protected by their parents and their community." states executive director, Keryn Bernard-Kriegl.  "We now know that early trauma leads not only to immediate pain and suffering by the victim and his/her family, but it also causes negative patterns to form in a child's developing brain which can lead to behavioral, learning and emotional problems, illness, and even early death.  Families and communities pay financially as well.  Each year child abuse and neglect in NH costs about $300,000,000- $95 million of it is footed by taxpayer dollars."

The Children's Trust stays current on emerging research, evidence-based curriculums, programs and strategies as well as public policies.  The Children's Trust's experienced staff bring this knowledge to the hundreds of child and family service providers through trainings, technical assistance, information dissemination and an annual Strengthening Families Summit.  The Children's Trust needs your help to realize this vision for NH. "With a budget of about half a million dollars, we have to stretch ourselves pretty thin, work closely with state agencies, community programs, elected officials, funders, and donors to make sure we are having the greatest impact per dollar spent." Says Bernard-Kriegl.  "There are approximately 40,000 children under age 3 and our investments are limited to about $13 per child.

Child abuse and neglect is a chronic problem that has been around for decades.   "Sometimes it seems like there is a sense of hopelessness or apathy. Sometimes, it's about not knowing what to do about the problem."  Says Bernard-Kriegl.  There is so much an individual can do such as:

• reaching out to a family with a newborn or young children
• getting to know their neighbors
• letting parents know about supportive resources in their community
• giving an encouraging word to a young mother or father

Groups can increase their knowledge about child abuse and neglect prevention strategies and create safety nets for stressed families in their network.  The Children's Trust can provide resources and guest presenters to groups who are considering getting involved.

The Centers for Disease Control has declared child abuse and neglect at a public health crisis.  This health crisis also has significant negative social impacts such as crime, family violence, employee productivity and financial stability."The real crime, is that child abuse and neglect are preventable.  Elimination will happen when the public decides it's had enough child abuse.  Rates can go down as significantly as motor vehicle injuries and deaths did when the use of seatbelts and car seats,  and not driving under the influence became the norm. Taking care of our children by taking care of our family, friends and neighbors needs to become the norm." Says Bernard-Kriegl.

As the state lead agency for child abuse and neglect prevention, the Children's Trust is here to serve the 1.3 million citizens of NH.  Our vision is that every child will thrive in safe, stable and nurturing families and communities and our short-term focus is on our youngest and most vulnerable - infants and toddlers.  The Children's Trust needs your help.  You can join in by becoming familiar with the strategies outlined in the 2012-2016 plan, visit their new website later this fall, and follow them on Facebook.com/NHChildrensTrust  to keep up to date on NH's progress.