New Hampshire has garnered praise in recent years for developing a comprehensive and collaborative system to support children’s mental health. Designed to unify families, schools, medical providers, and behavioral health professionals, this network has significantly improved early intervention and consistent care for vulnerable children. Despite its effectiveness, recent legislative proposals threaten to dismantle this coordinated model, raising deep concerns about the future of youth mental health in the state.

The system, often referred to as a ‘wraparound’ approach, isn’t just about access—it’s about continuity and cohesion. By setting up community-based supports that account for emotional, social, and practical aspects of care, New Hampshire has addressed a critical shortfall in reactive-only mental health systems. Children and families have benefited from personalized care plans and collaboration across multiple sectors, which is precisely the kind of innovation other states are trying to replicate.

However, a new bill threatens to unravel this network by repealing key legislative foundations of the system of care. Proponents argue the repeal is a matter of budgetary necessity or administrative streamlining, but such justifications overlook the long-term costs of untreated mental health issues. Undermining the existing framework risks pushing families back into crisis-mode care, where intervention often comes too late and at a much higher emotional and financial price.

As a society, we like to say we prioritize children’s well-being, but our policies need to reflect that commitment. Rather than repealing proven structures, lawmakers should focus on refining and expanding them. The mental health of our youngest citizens isn’t an expendable line item—it’s the cornerstone of a healthier, more resilient community. Repealing this system would send the wrong message at the worst possible time.

In the end, protecting children’s mental health requires more than good intentions; it demands sustained collaboration and political courage. New Hampshire’s system of care is not perfect, but it’s a strong foundation that deserves reinforcement, not removal. If we truly value the well-being of every child, we must advocate for models that lift families up—not leave them navigating complexity on their own.