H.E.A.R.T Program
What is the H.E.A.R.T. Program?
Helping Children Heal:
Bridging Schools and CACs
Children who experience trauma often struggle in school, facing challenges that impact their learning and behavior. The H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Ensure Appropriate Response to Trauma) program connects Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) with school districts to ensure these children receive the support they need. With caregiver permission, CAC staff notify school personnel when a child has received services due to trauma. While no details of the trauma are shared, this communication allows schools to respond with appropriate, trauma-informed care.
By working together, CACs and schools can help children heal, succeed academically, and build resilience—ensuring they thrive not just in school, but in life.
Why it matters?
Timely Intervention Makes Healing Possible
Child abuse is prevalent in every Granite State community, affecting the well-being of thousands of children each year. In the past five years alone, New Hampshire’s network of 11 county-based CACs and satellite locations has served 9,012 alleged child victims of sexual and physical abuse. Our relentless pursuit of justice and healing gives child victims hope and helps them step into the future they deserve.
Kids Are Counting on Us.
Bring the H.E.A.R.T Program to your School:
We are happy to share more information about the H.E.A.R.T. Program and steps to begin this program in your local communities. Currently, it is a pilot program through our Greater Lakes Child Advocacy Center in Belknap County. Click here for the HEART Brochure.
Contact:
Nicole Ledoux Victim Services Quality Assurance Director, Granite State Children’s Alliance nledoux@cac-nh.org
Meghan Noyes, Director of Program Services Granite State Children’s Alliance mnoyes@cac-nh.org
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
» ACEs are traumatic events that occur between the ages of 0-17 and can significantly impact a child’s development and well-being.
» Some examples of ACEs include experiencing or witnessing violence, abuse, or neglect, having a family member die by suicide, or growing up in a household with substance abuse, mental health issues, or parental separation.
Impact on a Child’s Safety and Stability
» ACEs can undermine a child’s sense of safety, stability, and emotional bonding, affecting theirability to thrive at home and in school.
Effect on Child’s Learning and Behavior
» Children who experience two or more ACEs are at higher risk for academic struggles, behavioral issues, and emotional difficulties in school.
Long-Term Effects
» Children exposed to multiple ACEs may face lifelong challenges, including increased chances of poor academic performance, mental health issues, substance abuse, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Support
» Recognizing and addressing ACEs through trauma-informed care helps children heal, thrive in school, and improve their long-term outcomes in life.