Kai Berger

Dear Chair and Honorable Members of the Committee, My name is Kai Berger, and I am the founder of the Hilde B Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to ending domestic violence through prevention, awareness, and systemic change. I am writing in support of SB515, and to respectfully offer recommendations to strengthen its impact for one of the most vulnerable populations it serves: children affected by domestic violence. A significant proportion of children placed in residential treatment programs have experienced trauma rooted in domestic violence environments. These children are often not only witnesses, but direct victims of psychological, emotional, or physical harm. Behavioral and mental health challenges are frequently symptoms of trauma, not isolated conditions Legal proceedings involving placement decisions risk overlooking underlying family violence dynamics Without proper screening, systems may unintentionally treat the outcome rather than the cause SB515’s emphasis on judicial oversight and access to legal counsel is an important step toward ensuring that children’s rights and needs are properly represented. This framework creates a critical opportunity to: Improve decision-making quality Ensure children's voices are meaningfully heard Introduce more holistic, trauma-informed considerations into placement decisions To maximize the effectiveness of SB515, I respectfully encourage the Committee to consider the following additions or implementation guidance: 1. Domestic Violence Screening Require or strongly encourage that courts consider whether a child has been exposed to domestic violence as part of placement determinations. 2. Trauma-Informed Judicial Guidance Provide guidance or training for judges and appointed counsel on: Recognizing signs of domestic violence exposure Understanding its impact on child behavior and mental health 3. Coordination with Domestic Violence Services Encourage collaboration between: Residential treatment providers Domestic violence advocacy organizations This ensures that children and families are connected to appropriate support systems beyond the courtroom. SB515 represents a meaningful step toward improving outcomes for children in complex and vulnerable situations. By explicitly recognizing the role that domestic violence plays in many of these cases, New Hampshire has the opportunity to further strengthen its child welfare system in a compassionate and evidence-based way. Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to the well-being of children and families. Respectfully submitted, Kai Berger Founder, Hilde B Foundation