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New Hampshire: An Act relative to the presumption of harm under the child protection act (SB 459)
New Hampshire SB 459 revises certain definitions under the Child Protection Act, including the definitions of abused child, neglected child, and imminent harm. This bill will expland the definition of “institutional child abuse or neglect” to include restraint or seclusion where there is no substantial and imminent risk of serious bodily harm to the child or others. Restraint means bodily physical restriction, mechanical devices, or any device that immobilizes a person or restricts the freedom of movement of the torso, head, arms, or legs. Seclusion means the involuntary placement of a child alone in a place where no other person is present and from which the particular child is unable to exit, either due to physical manipulation by a person, a lock, or other mechanical device or barrier. This bill provides critical physical, emotional, and psychological protection for the children of New Hampshire, as evidence shows that restraint and seclusion are ineffective and cause significant emotional, psychological and physical harm, including death. Send an email to your state legislators now to let them know where you stand on this issue! Personalizing the message increases its impact.
