Office of the Child Advocate

“What we're seeing is almost a backpedaling from reforms that were made in the facility,” said Cassandra Sanchez, the state’s child advocate. The state health department and Attorney General’s office have since announced their own investigations.

The Office of the Child Advocate says reforms are needed at a state-run facility following reports of alleged mistreatment of children.

Diana Fenton’s decision follows a contentious public hearing before the Executive Council. Fenton has worked as an attorney for the state for nearly two decades.

Cassandra Sanchez said she is ‘pretty confident’ she is losing her job over statements she made to oppose anti-LGBTQ legislation.

“I’m trying to find a middle ground that the House will accept,” Sen. Sharon Carson, who is spearheading the proposal, said.

Moira O’Neill served as the inaugural Child Advocate for New Hampshire and stepped aside in 2022. Cassandra Sanchez was appointed by then-governor Chris Sununu as her successor.

Some Republicans say the office's legislative advocacy has become a distraction.

Republicans at the New Hampshire State House want to eliminate NH's Office of the Child Advocate, the Commission on Aging, and the Housing Appeals Board.

Advocates say the numbers alone fail to give a meaningful or accurate account of schools' use of the practice.

A new bill would require the state to limit those placements to New England as of January 2025.