The bill SB 142-FN establishes the Department of Children's Services and Juvenile Justice, which will assume the functions, powers, and duties previously held by the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically its Division for Children, Youth, and Families, and the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health. This new department will oversee a unified administration of child protection, foster care, juvenile justice, and related services. Key insertions include the creation of Chapter 21-W in the RSA, detailing the department's purpose, definitions, and functions, as well as the appointment of a commissioner responsible for managing its operations. The bill also deletes references to the former structure under the Department of Health and Human Services, effectively dissolving its role in these areas.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant changes to the handling of child welfare information, particularly regarding cases of child abuse and neglect. It specifies that the names of abused or neglected children will not be disclosed in near-fatality cases unless previously released, while outlining what information can be shared based on the investigation's status. The bill also mandates the transfer of personnel, records, and resources from the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services to the new department, ensuring continuity of services. Other amendments include the expansion of child welfare services to encompass child support and family assistance programs, the redefinition of the juvenile parole system to focus on rehabilitation, and the establishment of a Governor’s Commission on Children’s Services to enhance collaboration among relevant departments. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-V:2, 126-A:39, 161:2, 170-H:1, 28-B:3, 126-A:5, 186-C:14, 187-A:20-b, 490-C:2, 597:2, 6:12-c, 621-A:11, 651-E:2, 47:11-b, 170-G:4