Bill > SB238

This bill establishes the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) prevention and treatment program as a permanent initiative within the Department of Health and Human Services, focusing on supporting children from birth to age 6 who have experienced traumatic events or severe emotional disturbances. The program aims to enhance early childhood mental health care by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for services like child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), elevating the early childhood and family mental health credential statewide, and offering scholarships and reimbursements for ongoing professional training. The bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund the program, with a specific focus on developing a 5-year plan to build the state's workforce capacity in providing CPP services for young children who have experienced trauma. The program is designed to offer comprehensive prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment services for children and families who cannot be adequately supported through existing childcare, educational, and developmental services alone. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and does not authorize new positions within the department.

Budget and Finance

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1150&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB238