New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services wants to improve its child welfare system by integrating mental health, substance abuse, and preventive services to better support youth and families.
An assessment done for the department was released Monday. It recommends that the department strengthen the Division of Children, Youth, and Families' partnership with the Bureau for Children's Behavioral Health; contract with Medicaid managed care groups to create and support community-based services for youth with complex needs; and ensure adequate staffing.
The assessment also recommends improving data sharing among agencies, and expanding services for youth transitioning out of the child welfare system.