Information for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs

The Bureau for Family Centered Services supports families and caregivers of children with special health care needs. New Hampshire has many resources available but finding them, and finding the right fit for your child and family, can sometimes be a challenge. 

Below are some resources to make it easier. When families are supported and connected, everyone does better.

Covering New Hampshire

“Your Gateway to the Health Insurance Marketplace”

Covering New Hampshire is the official, free resource for residents where they can learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and new health insurance plans that are available.

Family Centered Early Supports and Services

Family Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) is New Hampshire’s Early Intervention System. Early Intervention is a nationwide program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA). FCESS serves children from birth until their third birthday who have a developmental delay, an established condition or are at substantial risk for a developmental delay. The goal of FCESS is to support families in helping their children grow and develop and achieve their own family goals.

Family Connections Program

“Connects a family needing support to a family who has been there.”

Family Connections partners families 1:1 with an altruistic approach for cross-disabilities from birth thru the lifespan. Matches are made for a parent seeking information and/or emotional support with a parent who has experienced the same or similar situation. These connections encourage families to make better informed choices and fosters family strengthening. The success of the Family Connections program is built upon compassion and a collaborative community commitment to ensure no family is left behind.

Family Support NH

“Providing Community-based family support to NH families.”

Family Support New Hampshire (FSNH) is a network of Family Resource Centers across the state that encourage each other and share best practices that supports their work as providers of community-based, free and confidential services that assist and support parents in their role as caregivers. When families are healthy and strong, communities thrive.

NH Easy “Gateway to Services”

To reach the Department’s goal that each child in New Hampshire has access to quality health care, this online portal is available to apply for assistance including Children’s Medicaid, Expanded Children’s Medicaid, Children with Severe Disabilities, and Home Care for Children with Severe Disabilities. For more information on Children’s Medical Assistance, see the page Apply for Assistance. 

NH Family Voices

NH Family Voices (NHFV) Family to Family Health Information Center provides options and advice, offers a multitude of resources, and taps into a network of families and professionals to help provide support and information. The NHFV website is full of resources for families with children with any sort of special health care need and includes a complete listing of their free lending library’s holdings.

nhfamilyvoices@nhfv.org or 603-271-4525

NH Insurance Department

The New Hampshire Insurance Department was established in 1851, the first insurance regulatory agency in the United States. The responsibilities of the Insurance Department are codified by the provisions of RSA 400-A of the Insurance Laws. The Insurance Commissioner is charged with the enforcement of insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire, including collection of premium taxes and fees, regulation of all insurance companies, agents and adjusters.

The mission of the New Hampshire Insurance Department is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. We are committed to doing so in an honest, effective and timely manner.

Or call (603) 271-2261

Parent Information Center of NH

The Parent Information Center (PIC) and its various grant-funded programs address a variety of key issues in order to help parents support their children’s success in school and in life. PIC is available to answer your special education questions! Staff can be reached by email- info@picnh.org, or by leaving a voicemail message at 603-224-7005 (don’t forget to leave your first and last name, call back number, and a detailed message).

PIC is a pioneer in creating family/school/community partnerships that help parents of all children get involved in their children’s learning and development. PIC also offers additional support through workshops and resource and referral. 

Welcome Families NH

“A State of Discovery”

Discover the resources your family needs to thrive in the Granite State. The website includes information about growing, learning living, playing and working in New Hampshire.