The bill SB 142-FN establishes the Department of Children's Services and Juvenile Justice (DCSJJ) in New Hampshire, transferring the functions, powers, and duties from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), specifically the Division for Children, Youth, and Families, and the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health. This new department will oversee a unified administration of programs and services related to child protection, foster care, and juvenile justice. Key insertions include the creation of the DCSJJ, the appointment of a commissioner to manage its operations, and the expansion of child welfare services to include child support and family assistance programs. The bill also mandates the establishment of a Governor’s Commission on Children’s Services to enhance collaboration among state departments.

Significant deletions from current law include the dissolution of the DHHS's Division for Children, Youth, and Families and the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health, effectively consolidating their responsibilities under the DCSJJ. The bill updates various references throughout existing laws to reflect this new structure, ensuring clarity in the roles of the departments involved in child welfare and juvenile justice. Additionally, it introduces new protocols for handling child abuse and neglect information, particularly regarding "near fatalities," while maintaining confidentiality for reporters and family members. The bill is projected to incur significant costs, estimated to exceed $11 million in the first year, and 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