Tag: 200702

Fostering hope

New foster care program supports young adults

In April, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Division for Children, Youth and Families launched the Hope Program, which extends the age limit for foster care in the state from age 18 to age 21. DCYF Director Joseph Ribsam discussed the new legislation and the support it provides for youth in foster care as they transition into adulthood.

Why was the Hope Program created?

The idea is that young people who enter the foster care system who are not able to achieve permanency — meaning, they’re not able to return home and be reunified with their families, or are not able to be adopted into another family — need more support entering adulthood than they would typically get through their 18th birthday. [The program] allows them to continue to have the support of a foster family [which gets financial support through the program] to help them transition successfully to adulthood. … We had the broad support of the [New Hampshire] legislature and the governor in pushing this forward, and it was included in the budget that passed last year. It was really exciting to see everyone come together and be willing to support this type of expansion going forward to make sure that our young folks in foster care have all the advantages that they need to be successful going into adulthood.

How does it work?

It allows youth between the ages of 18 and 21 to stay with a foster family or have the support of a foster family through their time in college. It makes sure not only that they have their housing needs met, but also that they have social and emotional support from a primary caring adult maintained over time. … To qualify, they need to be engaged in some type of productive activity, [such as a] secondary education program or an equivalent such as a GED or HiSET program; an institution for post-secondary or vocational education for at least six hours per week per semester; an activity to promote employment or remove barriers to employment; or working [at least 80 hours a month]. Young people with medical or mental health challenges that impede their ability to maintain those types of activities can also be part of the program. … The program is voluntary, so when a youth turns 18 they can decide to be part of this or not. If they turn 18 and think they’re ready to be on their own and then, six months later, realize they still need extra help, they can come back at that point, too.

Prior to the new legislation, what were some of the biggest challenges facing foster care youth after they turned 18?

For most people, when they turn 18, their families don’t say, “Alright, you’re on your own now.” Their families are still there for them. Many young people in foster care haven’t had that kind of normalcy … The data shows that young folks leaving foster care are at a higher risk of homelessness, having substance [misuse] challenges and not graduating high school or being able to go to college. When you look at jurisdictions that have [allowed] kids [to stay] in foster care longer, you see trajectories moving in a different direction. More young folks successfully graduate high school or get into college and are more likely to avoid the traps of homelessness and things like that.

Have foster care families and youth expressed a need for this program?

Yes. This is something that they have been talking about and needing for quite a long time. … We’ve actually had a number of foster families who, even though they previously didn’t [receive funding] to continue supporting their foster kids after they turned 18, would still allow them to stay in their homes beyond their 18th birthday and try to support them into adulthood. … We also have a group of young adults — some who are still in foster care and others who are alumni of the foster care system — who are really engaged in trying to improve policy for other young folks in foster care. Some of them actually went to the legislative committee and testified on behalf of this idea, and I think that was really compelling and is what ultimately led to the [change in] legislation.

How is fostering a young adult over the age of 18 different than fostering a minor?

The dynamics change as they do in any household where somebody who is legally a minor becomes legally an adult. Young adults need to be taking some healthy risks and making some decisions on their own, but at the same time [foster families] need to maintain appropriate boundaries so that those young adults stay safe during that time. That transition period can be a challenge, but also really rewarding [for the foster family] when they are able to help that young adult succeed on their own.

What is the ideal outcome for young adults who participate in the Hope Program?

Ultimately, we want these young folks to be independent, productive adults who are able to care for themselves, care for their communities and be successful in doing whatever it is they choose to do with their lives. … For young folks who want to go to college, that’s great. For young folks who want to learn a trade, that’s great. For young folks who want to start working, that’s great. It’s about helping them find the path that’s right for them and making sure they have the support to follow it.

News & Notes 20/07/02

Covid-19 updateAs of June 22As of June 29
Total cases statewide5,5585,760
Total current infections statewide929958
Total deaths statewide339367
New cases233 (June 16 to June 22)212 (June 23 to June 30)
Current infections: Hillsborough County586586
Current infections: Merrimack County6665
Current infections: Rockingham County185194
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Governor’s updates
In the past week, Gov. Chris Sununu made multiple announcements in the state’s ongoing response to Covid-19.

In a June 23 press conference, Sununu announced that $5 million in CARES act funding will go toward youth-focused programs in the Granite State, while $6 million will be used for mental health and substance abuse-focused programs and $7 million will be used for veterans service organizations.

On June 25, in a press conference, Sununu announced that all hotels, inns and campgrounds in the state were able to operate at 100-percent capacity starting on June 29, though the 14-day self-quarantining rules for out-of-state visitors still apply. He also announced the establishment of the Self Employment Livelihood Fund, which will provide up to $50,000 in funding to self-employed businesses in New Hampshire. To qualify, a business must not be permanently closed or be in bankruptcy and must not be a nonprofit. Applications will be accepted from July 6 to July 17.

Also on June 25, Sununu issued Emergency Orders No. 54, No. 55 and No. 56. Emergency Order No. 54 gives refunds of road tolls to private school bus owners or school bus lines when their vehicles are being used to transport meals to students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Emergency Order No. 55 extends the funding of the Covid-19 Long Term Care Stabilization Program through July 31. The program had been established in April, providing temporary stabilization funding through Medicaid for frontline workers in the state. Stipends of $300 per week have been distributed to full-time qualifying frontline workers, and $150 per week to part-time workers. Emergency Order No. 56 authorizes municipalities in the state to enter into agreements with property taxpayers on an agreed schedule for the payment of property taxes.

On June 26, Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-14, extending the state of emergency in New Hampshire due to Covid-19 for another three weeks through at least July 17. It’s the fifth extension he has issued since originally declaring a state of emergency on March 13.

Also on June 26, Sununu issued Exhibit J to Emergency Order No. 29, which had been issued on April 9. Emergency Order No. 29 requires state agencies, boards and commissions to submit recommendations to Sununu if any regulatory deadlines should be adjusted in response to the state of emergency. Per Exhibit J, annual Department of Education fees, such as licensing, licensing renewals, new courses, new programs and transcript requests, have been waived for FY 2020-2021. Details of all Emergency and Executive Orders can be found at governor.nh.gov.

Race fans
Approximately 19,000 fans can attend the Aug. 2 Nascar Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, according to a June 25 story from WMUR. The rescheduled Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 will be the largest spectator event in New England since the Covid-19 pandemic started, WMUR reported. The speedway will be limited to 35 percent capacity, and social distancing requirements and safety protocols will be in place, based on an action plan that was approved by Gov. Sununu. Employees will have to wear face makes; fans will be encouraged to wear them, but not required. Other precautions include prohibiting fans from bringing standard-size coolers, and cash will not be accepted. “Being outdoors, having it being for a limited time, having a system where you can ensure the physical distancing for the vast majority of the event … gives us a lot of confidence” that the event will be safe, Sununu said, according to WMUR. There are about 7,000 tickets left; the credits that were given out for the approximately 12,000 tickets that had been purchased for the July 19 race date can be used Aug. 2.

Risk protection
On June 28, the New Hampshire Senate voted 14-10 in favor of HB 687, which establishes a procedure for issuing extreme risk protection orders to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. The bill will now go to Gov. Sununu’s desk.

“The NH Extreme Risk Protective Order bill is designed to put a speed bump in front of a person who has access to the most lethal means available to do themselves or others harm,” the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Debra Altschiller (D-Stratham), said in a statement after the vote. “It creates a tool for the people closest to someone suffering to prevent tragedy and get them help.” The bill’s co-sponsor, Senate Judiciary Chair Martha Hennessey (D-Hanover), said in a statement following the vote that New Hampshire’s suicide rate has risen 48.3 percent between 1999 and 2016, according to a report from the CDC. “In people under the age of 24, it is the second leading cause of death — it is clear that we must take action to address this crisis,” Hennessey said. “This bill creates a pathway for concerned family members and law enforcement to request assistance from our courts in protecting someone who may be a danger to themselves and others.”

Assault bill
On June 29, the New Hampshire Senate voted to move forward with HB 1240, relative to the grounds for sexual assault and related offenses, according to a press release from the Governor’s Office. “Ensuring there is proper justice for victims of sexual assault is paramount, and this will close a critical loophole and protect students from sexual assault at the hands of those in a position of authority over the victim,” Gov. Sununu said in a statement. According to the release, HB 1240 “amends the definition of sexual contact in the criminal sexual assault statutes. The bill also expands the elements of the crime of felonious sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault to include sexual contact between school employees and students, and to include circumstances when the actor is in a position of authority over a victim who is between 13 and 18 years of age.”

Diversity training
The City of Manchester has received a $20,000 grant to implement a Diversity and Cultural Competency Program for representatives from all city departments, according to a June 28 press release. Mayor Joyce Craig announced the City of Manchester applied for the grant from the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation. “Our city employees serve one of the most diverse communities in the state, and it is critical that all our staff is equipped with the tools to assist individuals of all backgrounds,” Craig said in the release. “This program will create a network of city employees able to design and deliver quality cultural competency programs for all city staff.” The Mayor’s Multicultural Advisory Council — formed this year after Craig announced its creation at her State of the City Address — suggested this competency training, which will be facilitated by New Hampshire Health and Equity Partnership and the Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center. “I am very excited to see that the Council is already making an impact and bringing the positive changes we need to see happening in our city,” Arnold Mikolo, chair of the Mayor’s Multicultural Advisory Council, said in the release.

Health kits
Health and Wellness Kits will be distributed to 25,000 families across New Hampshire, according to a press release, after the New Hampshire National Guard packs them up and delivers them to participating schools and pick-up sites in the coming days. The kits include dental supplies, Deterra pouches to safely dispose of prescription medications, and several flyers that promote well-being. The Choose Love At Home program is also free for parents this summer at jesselewischooselove.org. “While we are all working hard to protect the physical health of our children, social and emotional well-being remains of the utmost importance,” Gov. Sununu said in the release.

The public is invited to a free virtual tradeshow as the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce presents its 29th annual Business Showcase on Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. According to a press release from the Chamber, this event is for anyone who wants to connect with local businesses and community leaders, whether you’re looking for a job, need help from a professional to plan a wedding or renovate your home, or you could use advice for growing your business or investments. Visit.ConcordNHChamber.com/business-showcase.

The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner opened July 1 and is offering self-guided tours and limited hours to practice social distancing guidelines, according to a press release. Temporary hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and reservations are requested by calling 456-2600 or emailing [email protected]. The Medicine Woods Trail and Arboretum are free and open to the public each day, according to the release.

Construction for the new 18,000-square-foot, three-story headquarters of Manchester-based Members First Credit Union will begin this month at the corner of Elm and Salmon streets, according to a press release. The building will include full-service banking, a two-lane drive-up and offices for the credit union’s executive management and back-office support teams.

Nashua is getting a new yoga studio: On Sunday, July 5, Vibe Yoga will open at 182 Main St. and will feature vinyasa-based yoga paired with “invigorating music,” according to a press release from owner Melissa Coppola. All of the classes will have “awesome playlists of all different types of music, with some classes specifically offering hip hop,” plus monthly classes with live musicians and DJs. Follow VibeYoga603 on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Still stuff to celebrate

The last few months have been unprecedented — and rough. In addition to the immeasurable health effects of the pandemic on the lives of Granite Staters and the losses it has caused, we faced the sudden closing of major parts of our state with most residents stuck at home and hundreds of thousands of people here losing their jobs.

Now, with the stay at home order lifted, many businesses have reopened or are planning to reopen soon. Many people are heading back to work and many of the area’s restaurants, businesses, recreation areas and attractions are finding ways to operate (see 47 examples of this in this week’s cover story).

While life isn’t fully “back to normal” we thought it was time to recognize the people, places and things that make New Hampshire such a special place to live. That’s right, it’s Best of 2020 time. We plan to publish the Hippo Best of 2020 in August. But before we do, we’re going to hold a mini round of Hippo Best of 2020 voting to give some praise to the places that helped make the shutdown a little easier. These categories include: “Retail shop with standout service during the shutdown” and “Eatery whose takeout got you through the shutdown.” Go to hippopress.com to give some love to the restaurant that gave you a much-needed break from your kitchen or the store that helped you pick out something special for somebody who needed a lift to their day.

We held off on publishing the Hippo Best of 2020 in late March because many of the locations that readers chose as their favorites were closed and we didn’t know how long that would last. Hippo’s annual Best of is both an expression of what Hippo readers feel is interesting and worth sharing with everyone and a guide to independent businesses and events. One of the many frustrating things that happens online is that when you seek out local events, parks, attractions, restaurants and other businesses, the results are both not so local and not so accurate. No person has picked up the phone and called to see that those businesses are still operating (like we do at Hippo). And for some reason those algorithms think Waltham or Scituate, Mass., is local. I guess if you’re in Silicon Valley it is. But if you want to grab a burger or go on a walk it isn’t so much.

Now more than ever, it’s important to support the local attractions, businesses and museums that make our region an enjoyable place to live.

We further explore those favorites in our annual magazine, Cool Things About New Hampshire (due out in October 2020).

Thank you for taking the time to vote this year and continuing to support Hippo’s independent journalism.

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