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NH Family Law Research Guide: Abuse, Neglect, Termination of Parental Rights

New Hampshire family law resources.

Abuse, Neglect, TPR - Introduction

In this section, you will find information on:

  • Mandatory Reporting
  • Abuse and Neglect
    • Statutes
    • Forms
  • Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
    • Statutes
    • Form and Checklist
  • Role of a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
  • Court Protocols
  • Resources for Further Research
  • Division for Children, Youth and Families
  • Waypoint

Division for Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)

The Division for Children, Youth and Families manages protective programs on behalf of New Hampshire's children and youth and their families.

DCYF staff provide a wide range of family-centered services with the goal of meeting the needs of parents and their children and strengthening the family system. Services are designed to support families and children in their own homes and communities whenever possible.

Source: NH Department of Health and Human Services

Waypoint

Waypoint (formerly Child and Family Services) is a non-profit agency dedicated to the welfare of children by providing an array of social services.

Source: Waypoint

Mandatory Reporting

NH Law requires any person who suspects that a child under age 18 has been abused or neglected must report that suspicion immediately to DCYF. (New Hampshire RSA 169-C:29-31)

To report child abuse or neglect, please call (800) 894-5533 (in-state) or (603) 271-6562

Intake lines are staffed 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
If this is an immediate emergency, please call 911.

Source: NH Department of Health and Human Services - Division for Children, Youth & Families

Abuse and Neglect

Statutes: CHAPTER 169-C: CHILD PROTECTION ACT

Role of a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

See: Guardian ad Litem tab for more information

CASA's trained volunteer GAL act as the "eyes and ears of the court" in abuse and neglect cases.

If a CASA cannot be appointed for any reason, the Judge will likely appoint a paid GAL.

Court Protocols

​There are established protocols for how cases are conducted in particular family court matters. The protocols are helpful in understanding and applying the law. These protocols are used by judicial officers and court personnel as "best practice" manuals. Any time the word judge is used, it may refer to a judge or marital master, with the term judge referring to any judicial officer. Not every scenario is contemplated and the facts of each individual case must guide the court through the decision making process.

PROTOCOLS RELATIVE TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES AND PERMANENCY PLANNING

  • CHAPTER 1A - BILL F. HEARING
  • CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
  • CHAPTER 2 - PETITION, SUMMONS, COURT'S APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL FOR  PARENTS, GAL OR CASA GAL AND COUNSEL FOR CHILD
  • CHAPTER 3 - PROTECTIVE CUSTODY BY THE POLICE AND THE 24-HOUR   PROTECTIVE CUSTODY HEARING 
  • CHAPTER 4 - EX PARTE REQUEST BY DCYF OR A POLICE OFFICER
  • CHAPTER 5 - PRELIMINARY HEARING
  • CHAPTER 6 - CONSENT DECREE
  • CHAPTER 7 - ADJUDICATORY HEARING
  • CHAPTER 8 - DISPOSITIONAL HEARING
  • CHAPTER 9 - APPEAL OF FINAL DISPOSITIONAL ORDER
  • CHAPTER 10 - REVIEW HEARING
  • CHAPTER 11 - PERMANENCY HEARING

 

PROTOCOLS RELATIVE TO TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SURRENDER OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, VOLUNTARY MEDIATION AND ADOPTIONS INVOLVING RSA 169-C CASES

 

Protocols Relative to Children and Youth in Court RSA 169-C Child Protection Cases

Protocols Relative to RSA 169-C Post-Permanency Hearings for Older Youth with a Permanency Plan of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA)