​Smith: NHPHA Urges Fiscal Committee to Prevent Child Abuse

CONCORD, NH — On JAn. 13, 2017, The New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA) was disappointed to learn that the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee tabled a vote that would have allowed NH DHHS to accept just shy of $1,000,000 in already earmarked federal funds to support essential home visiting services for families at risk of child abuse. Families are considered at risk of child abuse if there is a history of family trauma, intimate partner violence, mental health disorders and substance misuse.

These are the same families already facing poorer health outcomes than their low-risk neighbors due to the very same reasons which make them vulnerable to trauma and child abuse in the first place.

The home visiting programs supported by these funds make key connections for families to parenting supports, referrals for medical and mental health care, and other pro-social activities. These connections create the protective factors that build the families’ own ability to promote their own health and well-being, and reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment and other instances of trauma in the home.

In light of recent events highlighting NH’s already threadbare capacity to protect children at risk of abuse, it is most imperative these funds are allowed to come into NH. Refusing to obtain these funds would only disadvantage our most vulnerable children and families even further. NHPHA recognizes the critical importance of keeping NH’s children safe, and building stronger, more resilient families. As such, we urge the Fiscal Committee to approve NH DHHS’ acceptance of these dollars, and continue supporting these indispensable home visiting programs.

JJ Smith, MD, MPH, is the public policy co-chair for the New Hampshire Public Health Association.