It’s a matter of upstream versus downstream. Upstream is near where the river begins. Downstream is where troubles gain momentum.
The way we see it, “upstream” is a smart way to approach our state budgets. Investing well in matters upstream, for instance, at the early stages of family life, means we will have less to worry about downstream, when we lament the worst possible outcomes for children at the highest cost to society.
Family resource centers are upstream. Built on a research-based framework, they are free and open to all families and offer an array of services, including parent education, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, child care, job training and help in your own home with practically everything under the sun. They help families to succeed. It’s scientific.
Currently, our state leaders are working to improve the lives of N.H. children with important legislation for mental health and substance misuse issues, and our child protection system. But without enough funding for FRCs, the good work being done will be undercut by failing families at the outset; throwing money at the problem and not at the solution.
Family resource centers are at the center of New Hampshire’s efforts to support all families to be all that they can be – healthy, productive, independent members of our communities.
As N.H. policymakers strive to improve conditions for all N.H. residents, we hope they will properly fund family resource centers.
If we don’t afford help to families upstream, we will pay the price downstream.
MARYANN EVERS
Concord