Division for Children, Youth and Families - Concord, NH

Supporting Families and Protecting Children

The New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), headquartered in Concord, is the state agency dedicated to the safety and well-being of children. Operating under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), DCYF manages a comprehensive range of protective and supportive programs designed to strengthen families and ensure that children grow up in safe, nurturing environments. The agency's central office is located within the Hugh Gallen State Office Park on Pleasant Street, a hub for state health services. DCYF's mission is grounded in the belief that families are the best place for children to thrive, and its services are oriented towards preserving the family unit whenever possible. However, when children are at risk of abuse or neglect, DCYF is the statutory authority responsible for intervention, investigation, and, when necessary, placing children in foster care or other protective settings. The agency works collaboratively with law enforcement, the court system, schools, and community partners to build a safety net for the state's most vulnerable youth.

Child Protection and Foster Care

A primary function of DCYF is Child Protective Services (CPS). The agency receives and assesses reports of child abuse and neglect through its central intake system. Social workers and child protection staff investigate these reports to determine the safety of the child and the needs of the family. In cases where intervention is required, DCYF works to provide services that address the underlying issues, such as substance use, mental health struggles, or economic instability. The agency also oversees the state's foster care system, recruiting, training, and licensing foster parents who provide temporary homes for children who cannot safely remain with their biological families. DCYF strives to achieve permanency for every child, whether through reunification with birth parents, adoption, or guardianship. The adoption unit works tirelessly to find loving, permanent homes for children who are legally free for adoption, facilitating the legal and emotional processes involved in building new families.

• Child Protection: Investigating reports of abuse and neglect to ensure child safety.
• Foster Care: Managing the placement of children in licensed foster homes.
• Adoption Services: Facilitating the permanent adoption of children in state custody.
• Family Support: Providing resources to help families stay together and resolve crises.

Juvenile Justice Services

In addition to child protection, DCYF is responsible for the administration of New Hampshire's juvenile justice system. This division focuses on rehabilitation and accountability for youth who have come into conflict with the law. Rather than a purely punitive approach, the juvenile justice system aims to address the root causes of delinquent behavior and provide youth with the skills and support they need to become productive members of society. DCYF Juvenile Justice Services supervises youth on probation and parole, manages detention and commitment services, and operates the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester (though the administrative oversight is based in Concord). The agency emphasizes restorative justice practices, engaging victims and communities in the process to repair harm and restore relationships. Through educational programs, counseling, and community-based supervision, DCYF works to reduce recidivism and help youth turn their lives around.

Community Partnership and Resources

DCYF recognizes that child welfare is a community responsibility. The agency actively partners with local Family Resource Centers, mental health agencies, and non-profits to create a continuum of care that extends beyond state offices. The Concord District Office, along with the state administrative office, serves as a point of contact for families seeking assistance or information. They provide access to the Kinship Care program, which supports relatives who step in to raise children when parents are unable to do so. The agency also maintains a 24-hour intake line for reporting concerns about child safety, ensuring that help is always available. Through its 'Practice Model', DCYF is committed to being family-centered, strength-based, and community-focused, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of New Hampshire's children and families.