A child’s development between the ages of 0 to five years old is crucial, and your child often needs extra support and care to develop and grow. After all, the first five years of life are foundational to your child’s brain development – making it an important time for them to learn and experience new things. Finding and accessing resources and support for your child can be difficult, and accessing these resources during times of crisis can be even harder. Connected Families NH’s (CFNH) Early Childhood Wraparound program aims to “bridge the gap” and make it easier for you and your child to get in touch with the right resources that can lend support during behavioral or mental health challenges that you or your child may be experiencing. 

Do Your Research

Before you commit to a support resource or program, it is good to do some research first to get to know the agency or organization on your own. You want the best for your child and family, and you deserve nothing less. Reach out to your community, ask your friends and family and look online – this research will allow you to make the most educated decision when it comes to finding the right support during behavioral or mental health challenges. Once you have found an organization that meets your needs, know that you can ask any and every question that crosses your mind.  

At CFNH, we assign every family a care coordinator that will work with your child and family to identify your strengths and goals, helping you through the process one step at a time. 

Think About Your Needs

To help your care coordinator and overall support team better understand how they can help you, take a moment to think about what you and your child need – and if you’re not sure, speak to your care coordinator. They will guide you through some questions like “Is your child socializing and making friends?” “Are you looking for long-term guidance with their behavior?” “Does your child need an in-depth planning process focused on your strengths and needs.” The purpose of programs like CFNH’s Early Childhood Wraparound program is to give you extra support and guidance in addition to the primary care you or your child may need. These programs are designed to give you a tailored solution for your unique needs. 

Benefits of Additional Support Services

There are many direct and indirect benefits to being involved in an additional support program while navigating behavioral or mental health challenges with your child. For one, you get the help you need in any areas you desire. The Early Childhood Wraparound program is individualized, meaning you get help with exactly what you and your child need. Your care coordinator uses their resources and knowledge to guide you and your child through challenging times. You and your child will benefit in the long run from these programs by preventing challenges or crises before they happen. 

You Are Never Alone

It can be hard to stay on the right track when experiencing mental health challenges.  It’s important to remember that you are not alone and do not have to navigate these challenges by yourself. Programs such as the Early Childhood program exist to help your family and child get through challenging times, while remaining in your home and community. Individualized care can make a world of a difference when it comes to behavioral and mental health challenges during the first five years of your child’s life. You want the best for your child, and CFNH can help you do just that. 

About Connected Families NH

Funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and contracted by the Bureau for Children’s Behavioral Health within New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services, Connected Families NH is a collaborative family-led program designed to improve the emotional health of children and young adults. We recognize the importance of emotional health and provide free, flexible services and support through our statewide and regional programs. Reach out or submit a referral to learn more about how Connected Families NH can help you. Connected Families NH is under the governance of Cheshire County. Connected Families NH is not an emergency service. If you or someone you care about is having a mental health or substance use crisis, you can call and speak to trained care staff at the NH Rapid Response Access Point at 833-710-6477 or 988 or NH988.com.