New Hampshire lawmakers review bill to improve DCYF's child abuse reporting process

The New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee convened on February 7, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding child protection and the role of the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) in investigating allegations of abuse. A significant focus of the meeting was a proposed bill aimed at reforming how DCYF interacts with law enforcement in cases of suspected child abuse.

The discussion highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of DCYF's current investigative practices. Several committee members expressed frustration over past incidents, particularly the case of Harmony Montgomery, where multiple complaints were reportedly mishandled. Critics argued that DCYF social workers lack the necessary training and authority to conduct criminal investigations, which should be the responsibility of law enforcement. One representative emphasized that children might still be alive today if police had been involved earlier in the investigation process.

The proposed bill seeks to mandate that DCYF immediately notify law enforcement upon receiving reports of physical or sexual abuse, rather than conducting their own investigations first. Proponents of the bill argue that this change would ensure that trained investigators handle cases of potential criminal activity, thereby improving the safety and protection of children.

However, representatives from DCYF raised concerns about the bill's implications, suggesting that it could lead to an overwhelming number of calls to law enforcement, potentially flooding the system and complicating responses to genuine emergencies. They clarified that current statutes already require DCYF to report suspected abuse to law enforcement, and questioned whether the proposed changes would significantly enhance the existing framework.

The committee members engaged in a thorough examination of the bill's language and its alignment with current laws, with some suggesting that the bill might be redundant. The discussion underscored the need for a collaborative approach between DCYF and law enforcement, emphasizing that both entities must work together effectively to protect vulnerable children.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand and the importance of ensuring that any legislative changes genuinely enhance child protection efforts. Further discussions and evaluations of the proposed bill are expected as the committee continues to address these pressing concerns.