NEW FUTURES' NEWSLETTER: KIDS COUNT EDITION

Welcome to this Kids Count edition of the New Futures' newsletter. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, our hearts go out to all whose lives have been disrupted by this pandemic. This crisis has brought to the forefront many of the issues New Futures has been working for years to address and exposed significant holes in New Hampshire’s public health system. We are committed to helping New Hampshire overcome this crisis and to building a stronger public health system for the generations to come.

This Kids Count edition includes: a brief policy update, changes in the early childhood and children's behavioral health fields, and helpful resources, prevention tips and an uplifting advocate spotlight.

POLICY UPDATE

At this time of the year, New Futures is usually nearing the end of the legislative session. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus has changed to meet urgent concerns facing Granite Staters.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Due to COVID-19, the General Court has suspended all legislative activities until further notice with the exception of remote public meetings, notices for which will be published in the House or Senate Calendar. During this time, the State House and Legislative Office Building will be closed to legislative members, legislative staff, and visitors.

Legislative committees have started to meet remotely to determine the best route forward for the 700 bills yet to be voted on.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE UPDATE

Governor Sununu has established two entities to help NH through this crisis and to safely re-opening the NH economy. First, the Governor's Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR), is charged with the investment and oversight of New Hampshire's federal COVID-19 relief and stimulus funds. Second, is the Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force, which will develop a plan and oversee the state and private-sector actions needed to reopen New Hampshire's economy while minimizing the adverse impact on public health.

NEW FUTURES' UPDATE

To strengthen the health and wellness of New Hampshire, New Futures is leading and participating in a number of stakeholder groups working with the State to support childcare providers, boost the health care workforce, and maintain access to appropriate community supports for children and families in need during this time of crisis. We are working with the Governor's office, GOFERR and the Economic Re-opening Task Force to prioritize funding for childcare facilities, behavioral health providers and other direct care workers on the front lines of this pandemic. 

These priorities need support and guidance in order to ensure the health of our state and a strong economic reopening.   

EARLY CHILDHOOD COVID-19 UPDATE

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that New Hampshire make a commitment to ensure access to quality childcare and supports for working families and employees. We are working closely with the State, advocacy partners and service providers to support childcare and family support programs, and ensure their viability now and into the future.

CHILD CARE

Without access to quality childcare, parents and caregivers cannot return to the workforce. Our country's economic success is dependent on a strong system of childcare that is affordable, accessible, safe and responsive to parent needs. 

Guide for Providers

Guide for Families

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS

Family Resource Centers have provided critical support to children and families during this crisis. While many of their communications with families have gone remote, these community-based programs have continued to provide a variety of services to ensure children's wellbeing and remain flexible to meet family's needs in a safe manner. 

Find an FRC

RESOURCES

- New Futures: We have compiled a list of important resources from partners organizations for families and providers.

- New Futures Early Childhood Support & Response COVID-19 Webinar

- Waypoint Warm Line: For free guidance and support for parents/caregivers. Call: 1-800-640-6486 M-F, 8:30-4:30.

- Family Resource Centers: FRCs act as a “front-door” to services—they provide many supports directly and help families navigate to whatever else they might need.

CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UPDATE

The current COVID-19 public health crisis is especially stressful for children and families. With schools being moved online since mid-March and orders from the governor to remain remote for the rest of the year, our families have experienced extreme disruptions to their daily routines and many children have lost access to critical behavioral health support provided through school. Through this crisis we are working with schools and mental health providers to ensure continuity of services for children and families in need. Strengthening our current system of care is more important now than ever to improve coordination and ensure children and families get the mental health services and supports where and when they need them.

MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS

All 10 Community Mental Health Centers in New Hampshire are continuing to see children and families through telehealth for serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Some facilities are seeing children and families in person for emergency situations.

Community Mental Health Center

JUVENILE REFORM PROJECT

With our partners in the Juvenile Reform Project, New Futures is continuing to work during this challenging time to ensure the health and safety of children in residential care and those within the juvenile justice system.