Senator Shaheen revives bill to launch ACERT programs
New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen recently reintroduced the National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act, which would establish a grant program to fund programs that help children recover from traumatic experiences throughout the country, similar to one piloted successfully here in New Hampshire.
ACERT (the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team) includes a police officer, a crisis services advocate, and a behavioral health professional who respond to emergency calls where a child is present after the police have secured the scene.
“Exposure to traumatic experiences during childhood can have devastating, long-term consequences on children’s physical, mental and emotional development. As crises like the substance use disorder epidemic continue to impact families, it's essential that first responders have the resources necessary to administer early intervention and trauma-informed care for affected families," Shaheen said in a statement.
The legislation calls for $10 million annually over four years to build a national Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team modeled after what is happening in New Hampshire.