Amy Rich Crane | Oppose HB1754

MTSS-B offers critical support that NH children need. MTSS-B creates a structured, prevention-focused framework that supports both children and the adults who serve them. At its core, MTSS-B recognizes that child mental health is equal to physical health and must be treated with the same urgency, infrastructure, and access to care. Through universal supports for all students, targeted interventions for those at risk, and intensive individualized services for students with significant needs, MTSS-B ensures that no child falls through the cracks. In a time when youth suicide rates remain alarmingly high, schools cannot rely on reactive discipline alone; they must be equipped with proactive, layered systems that identify distress early and respond with care rather than punishment. MTSS-B also strengthens teachers and school staff by providing education, training, and clear pathways for action. Educators are often the first to notice warning signs, social withdrawal, behavioral changes, emotional dysregulation, but without a coordinated system, those concerns can feel overwhelming or unsupported. MTSS-B builds shared language, consistent protocols, and collaborative teams so teachers know what to look for, how to document concerns, and where to refer students. This reduces burnout, increases confidence, and transforms schools from places of crisis management into environments of early intervention and resilience-building. Most importantly, MTSS-B connects students and families to real resources. It aligns school-based supports with community mental health providers, behavioral specialists, and family services, creating a continuum of care rather than isolated efforts. By embedding social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and restorative approaches into daily school life, MTSS-B builds protective factors that buffer against anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.