More than 100 children in New Hampshire's largest city have witnessed an adult overdose in their home since 2016. Now, a police program that officials hope will be replicated elsewhere is working to prevent kids from meeting the same fate.
Political and law enforcement leaders came together Friday to promote early childhood education and intervention to prevent substance misuse. They highlighted Manchester's Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team, which includes a police officer, crisis services advocate and behavioral health professional who respond to incidents and determine how best help the child, whether it be support groups, counseling or early childhood education programs.
The goal is to give children who witness violence or trauma the same kind of support crime victims receive in hopes of preventing future problems. Chief Nick Willard said the team has helped 203 children from 120 families, so far.
[For more on this story by Holly Ramer, go to http://www.sfchronicle.com/new...-misuse-12219705.php]
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